if Iff!!!, VALE UNIVERSITY LIBF1ARY Bill' iwiiiwfifil m Ml ¦ . : ¦¦ ¦ ¦ lis* ' • ill Shelf ...J^..T..fl> i Accessions ...*?./?..! Constables. James Ormes, J Voted, the Selectmen be Assessors. Ensign John Stebbins, Samuel Garfield, Highway Surveyors on the John Prouty, J- North side of the country Caleb Bridges, | road. Robert Griffin, J Jacob Stoddard, "| Highway Surveyors on the Jonathan Lamb, > South side of the country David Adams, J road. James Richardson, Highway Surveyor on the country road. Joshua Draper, 1 tt Benjamin Woodard, } Hogre^es. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 43 Deacon John Worster, 1 --, yr. Thomas Bridges, / Pence Viewers- Israel Holton, Sealer of Leather. Lieut. John White, Sealer of Weights and Measures. James Draper, 1 T ,, . Jacob Stoddard, } TythlDg™en. In the first settlement ofthe towns in Xew England, there was always difficulties to meet, hardships to endure, often dangers to encounter and opposition to overcome, requiring sagacity, courage and perseverance, but there were general ly men among them possessing those qualities, who were the first afterwards to be promoted to trusts of honor and re sponsibility by the people, and whose names, whether spoken or written, were sure to be dignified with their military ti tle, if they had such, and were loaded with a large plurality of offices. Thus in the organization of Spencer, Capt. Benjamin Johnson was Moderator, Town Clerk, one of the Selectmen, who were also Assessors, and Treasurer. And so of Leicester. Capt. Samuel Green was Moderator, first Se lectman, first Assessor and Grand Juror. The same in Rut land. Capt. Samuel Wright was Moderator, Tosvn Clerk, first Selectman and first Assessor. The population of this town at the time of incorporation, probably, did not exceed 500, and that of Leicester about 700. In the interior towns of Massachusetts, the inhabitants being mostly agriculturists, population advanced slowly, sometimes stationary or even retrograde, by the migration of families and enterprising young men to the Western States. But within the last twenty-five or thirty years, since railroads and manufactures have been introduced among us, large villages have sprung up, business of all kinds is active, meeting with suitable remuneration, and population has rapidly increased. The following is the population of the town at different periods, from 1764 to 1860. 44 H I S T 0 B Y OF S P E N C E E . Males Females Males Female? Tot. No* Years. Houses. Families, under 16. under 16. above 16. abov e 16. Negroes, persons. 1764 100 Ill 174 173 160 152 5 664 1776 1042 1790 1322 1800 1432 1810 1453 1820 1548 1830 1688 1840 Whole No. Males. Whole No. Females. 1604 Colored. 1850 341 457 1222 1021 12 2243 1860 485 611 1475 1302 2777 For twenty years, that is, from 1753 to 1773, nothing of importance occurred that would be worth relating. The people pursued the even tenor of their ways. Population gradually increased, new lands continued to be taken up and settled upon, county and town roads were constructed in va rious parts of the town, to suit the convenience and necessi ties of the inhabitants. The town was divided into suitable school districts, and school houses erected in each, and vari ous other improvements were made. The seven years' war between England and France, for the possession of Canada, which commenced in 1756, involved Massachusetts in the contest. Many men, as officers or soldiers, went from this town, to fight the battles of Great Britain and assist her in the conquest of the French possessions, for which they had but very little interest. Some went to Canada, some to Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and other parts, some of whom were destined never to return. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 45 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. The American Revolution originated, not so much by act ual oppression, or insupportable burthens thrown upon the colonies by the mother country, as by a series of acts by par liament, tending ultimately, as they believed, to undermine their liberties, and subject them, as had been threatened, to the entire control of Great Britain, in all cases whatsoever. Massachusetts was the first of the Colonies to resist these ar bitrary measures, the first to sound the alarm to her sister Colonies. She led the way, and was foremost in devising ways and means, and furnishing men and money throughout the whole contest. In this memorable contest, the town of Spencer took an active part, and it is believed, contributed her full share of men and money, towards the consummation of that glorious event. But it cannot be expected that a full account can here be given of what was done by this town in that great struggle, where life and liberty were depending: nor is it necessary. But little more than a mere sketch of their official doings will here be presented. The town of Boston, which was always foremost to move in every patriotic measure throughout the Revolution, had transmitted a circular to the inhabitants of the several towns in the Commonwealth, accompanied with a pamphlet " wherein the rights of the Colonists and the infringements thereof are set forth." The towns of Leicester, Spencer and Paxton, as early as Jan. 1, 1773, assembled at Leicester to take the same into consideration. This is the first movement of an official and organized character which was made by this town in opposition to the measures of Great Britain. At this meeting, a committee, composed of influential gen tlemen from the several towns, was appointed, to take the matter into consideration. The committee were, Capt. Brown of Leicester ; Capt. Witt and Capt. Brown of Paxton ; Mr. 5 46 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Moses Livermore and Joshua Lamb of Spencer; William Henshaw and Hezekiah Ward of Leicester ; and Willard Mower of Paxton. They presented to the meeting several spirited and patriotic resolutions, which were unanimously passed. They also presented instructions of the same im port to their representative, Thomas Denny, Esq., of Leices ter, which were accepted. Did room permit, they would be highly worthy of insertion. Suffice it to say, they breathe the most noble and patriotic sentiments, and are expressed in excellent language. The inhabitants of the same towns met again at Leices ter, December 27, 1773, when other similar resolutions were passed, among which the following is selected. " Resolved, That we will not use any tea in our families, nor suffer any to be consumed therein, while loaded with a tribute contrary to our consent, and that whoever shall sell any of that destruc tive herb, shall be deemed by us inimical to the rights of his country, and as endeavoring to counteract the designs of those who are zealous for its true interests." A committee of four teen was also chosen, " for the inspection of any teas that may be sold or consumed," and to report the names of the offenders at the next meeting. This resolution was carried into the most rigid effect. No tea was suffered to be drank among the inhabitants, and the ladies, being quite as patriotic as their husbands, agreed to dispense entirely with the use of that " destructive herb," and if any frail sister was found to offend so far as privately to sip a little bohea, she was treated with scorn and neglect by all her acquaintances. And it is related that a female convention was assembled in Boston, and one also in Worces. ter, and probably in other towns, and agreed to discontinue the use of tea, aud substitute in its stead the native herbs or shrubs of their native pastures and meadows. During the year 1774, the inhabitants ofthe towns of Leicester, Spencer and Paxton, met not less than five times HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 47 in legal town meeting at Leicester, to take into considera tion, as they at one time express it, " the melancholy situa tion of our public affairs at this critical conjuncture." At their meeting, May 23, Thomas Denny was again cho sen representative, and a committee, of whom Deacon Oli ver Watson and Lieut. Joshua Lamb, from Spencer, were cho sen to draft instructions to him. At the same meeting, they chose committees of correspondence in each of those towns, delegates to a convention in Worcester, which met Aug. 9, 1774, and continued by adjournment until May 31, 1775. These several towns assembled again in legal meeting Ju ly 6. A committee was appointed to " draw np resolves, formed on the sentiments of these towns, on the present mel ancholy situation of the country." The committee were Thomas Denny, Joseph Henshaw and Joseph Allen of Lei cester, James Draper and Joseph Wilson of Spencer, Oliver Witt and Ralf Earle of Paxton. Their report commenced by saying that they were assem bled " not tumultuously, riotously or seditiously, but soberly and seriously, as men, as freemen and as christians, to take into consideration the distressed situation of our affairs, &c." It presented a very able and luminous exposition of our sit uation with the mother country, accompanied with several patriotic resolves, all of which were accepted by the meeting. Another meeting was had September 29, and Thomas Denny was chosen a delegate to sit in a Congress, which was holden at Salem, from October 7, 1774, to December 10 of the same year. A committee, consisting of seven, of whom Deacon Muzzy and Doct. Ormes of Spencer, were two, was chosen to give instructions to their delegate. At another meeting, Col. Joseph Henshaw of Leicester was cho sen a delegate in a Congress which met at Cambridge, Feb. 1, 1775, and continued by adjournment to other towns until May 29 of the same year. At a subsequent meeting of the 48 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. same towns, Deacon Oliver Watson of Spencer was chosen to attend a Congress which was holden at Watertown, May 31, 1775, and was dissolved July 19 of the same year. During this time, with the exception of the meeting of the last-mentioned Congress, hostilities had not commenced, nor had American blood been spilt. But the ominous gathering of the clouds of war drew nearer, and the people, far from quailing, or being dismayed at its frightful aspect, made vigorous preparations to meet it. Arms and equipments, and military stores of every description, were put in imme diate requisition. Companies of men were enliste I to be ready at a minute's warning, and the public mind was in a state of the highest possible excitement. From this period, the inhabitants of Spencer met only in their own town, and all their future transactions were done in their individual capacity. In all their votes and proceed ings, while passing throughout the perils and trials of the revolution, they were nearly unanimous, there never having been found among them a single citizen meriting the name of tory. The town voted to pay their share of the expenses of the several Congresses, and as Harrison Gray, Esq., the State Treasurer, was a tory, they directed the constables to make their remittances to Henry Gardner, Esq., of Stow, and voted to indemnify them against all damage which might arise by so doing. Congress having recommended a non-importation of all goods and wares with Great Britain, they chose John Cunningham, Oliver Watson and Asa Baldwin, a committee to see it carried into complete effect. They also voted to raise fifty " effective men" immediately, and furnish them with blankets, equipments, &c. And as there was a number of British troops quartered upon the inhabitants of Boston and Charl.estown, they voted that a subscription be raised for their relief. The eventful year of 1775, commenced, bringing with it HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 49 portentous signs of an approaching conflict, and events soon followed which sealed the destiny of the colonies. The town had raised a company of " minute men," who were placed under the command of Capt. Ebenezer Mason. They were directed to meet often, to exercise and prepare themselves for military action. A town meeting was called to be hold en on the 24th of April, to make provision fpr the soldiers, should they be called into actual service by some emergency, which was highly probable might soon arise. Before the day of the said meeting had arrived, however, General Gage, April 19, had sent a body of British troops to take possession of the military stores in Concord, and on their way, at Lex ington, they fired upon a few militia there assembled, and eight American citizens were murdered. After having a conflict with our troops at Concord, they were repulsed, and retreated back to Boston with considerable loss. An alarm was immediately spread through the country like an electric shock. The next day, great was the commotion among the people. Like the fiery cross of the ancient Scottish clans, a messenger on horseback, with the speed of the wind, pass ed through the towns from the East, shouting from the top of his voice, " the war has begun, the regulars are marching to Concord." All business and recreations were immediately suspended. The farmer left his plow in the furrow, the me chanic his tools upon the bench, and there was an instanta neous gathering of the people, wHb stern wills, to do what ever should he necessary to be done to meet the emergency. The company of minute men buckled on their knapsacks, shouldered their muskets, and were immediately on their march. And although the time appointed for a town meet ing to make provision for the exigency had not yet arrived, the good wives of the soldiers, with the assistance of the select men of the town, furnishing them with a hasty and imper fect supply of clothing and provisions, they marched quick ly to Cambridge. Finding the enemy disposed to remain in 5* 50 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. his stronghold, the town of Boston, for the present, forty of them enlisted for eight months, to be stationed in the vicini ty of Boston, and the remainder returned home. Joel Green was the Captain of the company for eight months, and David Prouty Lieutenant, both from Spencer. On the 17th of June, the memorable battle of Bunker Hill was fought. A company, commanded by Capt. Seth Wash burn of Leicester, grandfather of the Hon. Emory Wash burn, was in the battle, nine of whom, including Joseph Liv- ermore as Lieutenant, belonged to Spencer. This year, the town of Boston being occupied by British troops, the General Court held their sittings at Watertown. The inhabitants of Spencer were notified to meet in their own town, July 17th, at one o clock in the afternoon, to see if they would then proceed to Leicester, as the meeting in that town was to be holden at three o'clock, to join in elect ing a representative, or otherwise, choose one for themselves. When the day of meeting arrived, the inhabitants decided, for the first time, to assume the right of an independent town, and choose a representative for themselves, and Deacon Oliver Watson was elected to that office. During the whole series of the acts of British wrong and oppression, which was borne by the colonies for ten years, commencing with the Stamp act in 1765, they never com plained, as one cause of grievance, that they were in some measure subjects of Great Britain ; but the port of Boston was closed, shutting off our intercourse from abroad, and the town besieged with an armed and licentious band of sol diers ; after our citizens were slaughtered at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, and the town of Charlestown wantonly burnt, they began seriously to think of assuming the position of an independent nation. In anticipation of this, the town voted, June 24, 1776, " that should Congress think it expedient to declare the col onies independent of the kingdom of Great Britain, we do HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 51 hereby, fully, freely and solemnly, engage with our lives and fortunes, to support Congress in such a measure," and they instructed Oliver Watson, who was their representative this year also, to communicate the same to the General Court. This crisis, which, probably, for more than a year past, had been anticipated by most of our patriotic and intelligent cit izens, had now arrived, and Congress, July 4, 1776, by a unanimous vote, declared the colonies to be free, sovereign and independent States. A copy of this declaration was sent to all the towns, and the General Court ordered the same to be read in all the churches after divine service, and the town clerk to record this manifesto in the town records, " there to remain a perpetual memorial thereof," with all which, this town complied. In 1777, the General Court passed " an act to prevent monopoly and oppression," and the selectmen and committee of safety in the several towns were directed to set a price upon all the articles usually bought and sold, as well as of labor, and none were allowed to exceed those prices in their dealings. The following are the prices of some of those ar ticles, as fixed upon for this town. For the better under standing of the present generation, the prices are here set down in Federal denomination. A days work for a man in summer 50 cents, a days work for a yoke of oxen 25 cents, a bushel of wheat $1.00, bushel of rye 67 cts, bushel of corn 50 cts, imported salt $2.17 per bushel, salt made from sea water $2.42 per bushel, charcoal 4 cts per bushel, sheep's wool 30 cts per lb., cotton wool 61 cts per lb., brown sugar $1.33 per lb., coffee 22 cts per lb., molasses 75 cts per gal lon, a meal of victuals 12 1-2 cts, a night's lodging 4 cts. It will be perceived the great disparity between these prices and those of the present time, those articles of our own pro duction being much less, and those imported much larger, the article of brown sugar in particular, being fourteen hun dred per cent, higher, owing to the destruction of our com merce by England. 52 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Being called upon to furnish their quota of soldiers to fill up the continental army, the town voted to allow £20 ($67) bounty to each man who should enlist for three years or during the war. The town was also called upon to furnish blankets, and one pair of shirts, stockings and other clothing at the rate of one set for every male person in the town over sixteen years of age. The General Court passed an other act, calling in four hundred thousand pounds of the State's outstanding debts, which were lying without interest, and ordered each town to raise its proportion of that sum, and place the same on interest until paid. This injudicious act disturbed the minds of the people, as another large sum for continental debts became due about the same time. They instructed their representatives, Oliver Watson and John Bisco, to use their influence that the act might be repealed. In this, however, they were unsuccessful, and they raised their proportion by a tax, being nine hundred and ninety- one pounds seventeen shillings.* This sum, allowing for the depreciation of the currency in 1777, would probably be about $1300, which would be quite as burthensome for the town to pay at that time as $5000, at the present. The success of the British arms at the north, under Gen^ eral Burgoyne, spread consternation and terror throughout New England, and every sixth man in the county of Wor cester, capable of bearing arms, was drafted to join the northern army. Companies of men, under the command of Capt. Josiah White and Capt. David Prouty, a large propor- ° In making the valuation for a basis of taxes, this year, the assessors were directed by the town to fix the following value on the taxable proper ty. Unimproved land $3.33 per acre — Horse $23.33 — two years old colt $13.- 33 — yearling colt $10 — Spring colt $6.67 — ox $16.67 — cows and three year old steers $10 — two year old cattle $6.67 — yearling do $3.33 — spring calves $1.67— sheep $0.83 — swine one year old $3.33 — pigs $1.00 — wheat 83 cts per bushel — rye 56 cts per bushel — oorn 42 cts — barley 42 cts — oats 21 cts — beans 67 cts — potatoes 11 cts — cider 50 cts per barrel — flax 10 ets per lb. — English hay $4.44 per ton — meadow hay $2.21 per ton. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 53 tion of whom belonged to Spencer, went to Bennington and other places in that vicinity, to meet the invading army, who by rapid marches, was passing through and ravaging our northern borders. A battle was fought at Bennington un der General Stark, which partly put a check to their depre dations. And when the British forces reached Saratoga, an alarm was immediately sent through the country, and the people in Spencer, like their brethren elsewhere, rose to arms, almost en masse, and marched to the rescue, but a por tion of them did not arrive at the scene of battle until after the surrender of Burgoyne and his whole army. The town appointed a committee to ascertain what ser vices each person had rendered towards the war, either by men, money or otherwise, since April 19, 1775, but the task proved so difficult that it was abandoned. January 5, 1778, the town voted to accept " the articles of perpetual union between the States," called the confeder ation, as proposed by Congress. The General Court having formed a constitution for the State of Massachusetts, the town assembled May 20, to take it into consideration. It was rejected, there not being a solitary vote for its accep tance, and against it 102 votes. It was rejected throughout the State by a large majority. March 10, the town voted that the selectmen make pro vision for the families of the continental soldiers who were out in the service of their country. Seven men enlisted in to the army for the term of nine months, and the sum of £30, ($100) was allowed as bounty to each, amounting when paid, including the interest, to £219 9s. The selectmen were called upon by the State to provide thirty-seven pairs of shirts, shoes and stockings for the use of the army. 1779. The town was called upon to furnish six soldiers to go to Rhode Island for six months. This requisition was granted, and the money voted to pay them for their services. Sixty pounds was also voted to provide for the families of 54 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. the soldiers who were out in the public service. This year, a number of tories, who in the beginning of the revolution had fled from the country, to avoid the resentment of the people, had returned again, and the town of Boston sent cir culars to the several towns, advising them of this fact. Thereupon, the town called a meeting to take the matter in to consideration. Resolutions were passed, declaring that " the town highly approve of the spirited conduct of the town of Boston, in their endeavors to take up and secure such odi ous persons, who had the impudence to appear in that town, that they may be dealt with according to a, good and whole some law of this State ; and this town is in full sentiment with the town of Boston with respect to those professed enemies to the rights and liberties of mankind ; and that we will, to the utmost of our power, aid and assist the civil magistrate in the execution of all laws made for the purpose of exclud ing all such hateful creatures from among us, &c." While we must admire the devotedness of the patriots of the revolution to the sacred cause of liberty, not only for themselves, but also for us their posterity ; such entire de votedness as we may never expect to witness again in this or any other country ; while we are astonished at the great sacrifices they made, and the fortitude with which they sus tained their burthens, their often great and discouraging re verses of fortune in war, and other deprivations, such as were sufficient to overwhelm ordinary minds ; it is not surprising that they should be exasperated at those, who not only stood aloof from the perilous work which demanded the united aid of all hearts and hands, but opposed all their patriotic exertions, and cruelly mocked at their sufferings and derided their cause. Yet some of them were, undoubtedly, treated with too much severity. Many of these suspected persons were good citizens at heart, and friends to their country, but who desired to wait a little longer, and were for trying far ther pacific measures before coming to actual hostilities with HISTOEY OF SPENCEB. 55 the mother country. Perhaps they were inexcusable for their hesitation and timidity, but many of them were not inten tionally enemies to their country, and a few who, after the revolution was completed and peace restored, were permitted to return and dwell among their former friends, proved to be good citizens, and became perfectly reconciled to the inde pendence of their country. This year the taxes and burthens of the war were so on erous that the town refused to grant any money for the sup port of schools or highways. The highway surveyors were directed to invite those within their limits to work on the roads as much as they were willing to do voluntarily, and no more. A committee was again chosen to make provision for the destitute families of the continental soldiers, who were probably suffering more in the field and in the camp than their families at home. Deacon John Muzzy was chosen representative, and he was instructed '¦ to use his best endeavors to support the credit of our currency, and not to give his consent to any act for making up the sink of money between debtor and creditor, either public or private, soldiers and officers in the continental army excepted." The town was called upon to fur nish seven men for the continental army and four men to go to Rhode Island. For paying these men. and others who had been sent to guard the prisoners in Rutland, a tax of five thousand four hundred pounds was assessed npon the inhabi tants of the town. This tax, allowing for the depreciation of the currency in 1779, was probably about £900. August 7. Deacon John Muzzy was chosen to attend a convention at Worcester, " to act on business of importance," and the 17th of the same month, Maj. Asa Baldwin was cho sen a delegate to attend a convention at Concord for regu lating the prices of the necessaries of life. These conven tions prepared a detailed statement of prices, with an ad dress, which were sent to the several towns for approval. 56 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. The following are the prices fixed by the convention, and they will serve to show the depreciation of the currency in two years, which are again reduced into Federal money to make it intelligible to modern readers. A bushel of corn $14.00— rye $17.00— wheat $27.00— oats $6.00— barrel of cider $13.33— hay per cwt. $5.00— labor in husbandry per day $9.00 — women's labor per week $6.67— beef per lb. $0.92— mutton and veal $0.58— butter $1.83 — cheese $0.92 — wool $4.00 — men's shoes per pair $20.00— stockings $12.00— shirts, tow cloth, $16.17.* John Bisco, Esq. was chosen a delegate to attend a con vention at Cambridge, for forming a State Constitution. 1780. In the beginning of this year, tho currency be came depreciated in the proportion of 40 to 1, and before the close of the year, as low as 240 for 1 ! The pressure was so heavy upon the people of this town, that forty-one persons were unable to pay their taxes for this and the last years, and they were abated by the town. A number of men were required in the service for six months, and the town voted that each soldier who enlisted ° At the close of the year 1779, a committee was chosen of the Massa chusetts line of the army, to adjust and settle the accounts of the officers and soldiers, with regard to the depreciation of the currency. This com mittee formed their scale of depreciation for three years, upon the mean prices, throughout the State, of beef, Indian corn, sheep's wool and sole leather, as follows : 1777. 1778. 1779. January 31st, 1.03 for 1 4.64 9.34 February 1.03 4.80 10.87 March 1.28 5.19 12.35 April 1.57 6.80 14.14 May 1.69 5.91 16.02 June 1.82 6.34 22.57 July 2.38 6.30 20.38 August 2.50 6.90 16.95 September 3.82 6.90 17.14 October 3.96 6.97 23.87 November 4.34 7.47 30.35 December 4.50 8.38 32.50 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 57 should receive a bounty of one hundred dollars, to be paid at the rate of fifty cents for corn and sixty-seven cents for rye, per bushel, or stock in that proportion. This was a standard which would regulate tbe paper money currency, so that the poor soldier would for once receive something more solid than promises, or what proved to be no better. Oliver Watson was again chosen representative. Agree able to a resolve of the General Court, the town furnished 7150 lbs. of beef, as a part of their quota for the army. Sixteen thousand pounds, in the currency of the day, was raised by a tax, in part payment for what was then due for soldiers' wages. May 22. The town assembled in legal meeting, to take into consideration the Constitution, or new form of govern ment, then lately formed for the State. All the articles re ceived the approbation of the town, with the exception ofthe ,,2d article of section 3d, of chapter 1st. They thought the provision for representation to_be unequal, — that those towns and plantations not haying 150 rateable polls should have the privilege of uniting together, or with some adjacent town, for the purpose of choosing a representative. The constitution was since amended in conformity to the propo sition, as expressed by the town. September 4. The town assembled for the first time un der the new constitution, for the election of State officers, to serve until the next May. The whole number of votes was 69, all of which were for the Hon. John Hancock. The next October, John Bisco, Esq. was elected a representative, to serve until the next May. Agreeable to an order of the General Court, the town authorized the selectmen to hire money to purchase cloth ing and blankets for the soldiers, then out in the army. Forty-eight thousand four hundred and fifty-six pounds was raised to pay the soldiers who were then in the service, some for six and some for three months. 6 58 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. October 17. The town was called together again to de vise means to pay for beef for the army, and the sum of twelve thousand pounds was raised for that purpose ; also, the sum of three thousand five hundred and sixty-five pounds, to provide horses for the use of the army. December 28. Another town meeting was held, on a requisition of the General Court, to provide 13,874 lbs. of beef for the soldiers. The town voted to provide the beef, and raised four hundred and sixty-seven pounds to pay for it ; also the sum of three thousand and fifty pounds to hire fourteen men to serve for three years in the continental army. The whole amount paid into the treasury this year, for various purposes, was £88,633 9s. It would be difficult at this time to ascertain how much this would amount to, in the present currency. It is probable, however, it was not less than four thousand dollars. 1781 was a dark period in the American history. The Brit ish arms were almost everywhere successful ; Lord Cornwallis was overrunning the Southern States, with but feeble oppo sition ; the resources of the country were exhausted, and pa per money was so depreciated as to become nearly worthless. In this critical period, the town was again called upon to furnish more men and beef for the public service. In the warrant for calling the meeting, June 20, they say, " Where as, filling up and supplying the continental army is of the utmost importance at this critical time, and the town being in danger of having executions sent upon it, both for their deficiencies in men and beef, and at present nothing will procure said men and beef, but hard money. Therefore &c." They, however, voted to comply with the requisition, and raised the sum of four hundred and sixteen pounds, hard money, for said purposes, and chose a committee to hire the money. July 23. The town was further called upon to furnish more soldiers, some to go to " head quarters " for three HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 59 months, and others to go to Rhode Island for five months, and also for more beef for the army. They chose a com mittee to hire the soldiers, and voted the sum of one hun dred and twenty pounds, hard money, to pay for the beef. At a subsequent meeting, September 6, two hundred pounds, hard money, was voted for paying the soldiers. The assess ors had made out lists of taxes for a part of the sums grant ed by the town, graduated upon the scale of the paper cur rency, and committed them to the collectors. The town or dered the tax bills to be returned, and that the same, together with the additional sums, newly granted, be reduced to hard money currency, by the assessors, in new tax bills. The two last requisitions of beef from this town, amounting to 7090 lbs., was furnished alive, the animals being driven to the agent. This year closed brilliantly, by the surrender of Cornwal- lis and his army to the combined arms of France and America, which diffused great joy throughout the unitea colonies, as the bright harbinger of peace, which was con cluded in 1783. Although the war was virtually closed, yet the army could not safely be disbanded until the treaty of peace was actual ly concluded and signed by all the belligerant parties. The town was called upon in March, 1782, for their quota of soldiers, to enlist for the term of three years, which was the last requisition made upon the town, specifically, until the army was disbanded. 60 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE, SHAY'S INSURRECTION. Judge Minot and others, who have written the history ofthe insurrection in Massachusetts in 1786, have represented the actors as abandoned criminals, without one redeeming good quality ; their chief motive, instead of seeking a redress of grievances, being to overthrow all orders of government, and bring Massachusetts into a state of anarchy and confusion. Although this revolt may not be justified, yet, if impartial ly considered, there will be found some causes of palliation. Insurrections are dangerous movements, and are not to be encouraged ; but their characters are often judged by their results. If successful, they are pronounced justifiable and praiseworthy, but if unsuccessful, they are condemned. The people had just passed through one revolution — they had re volted against what had been admitted to be their lawful government, but they were successful. They were honored — they were patriots. It is said " oppression will make a wise man mad," and the people felt themselves oppressed, al most " beyond measure." The government and the people of Massachusetts had de voted all their moral and physical powers in the cause of the revolution, and at its close found their resources exhausted, and both government and people loaded with an enormous weight of public and private debts. Paper money, which was nearly the whole currency, had depreciated until it was of no value, and credit was nearly as low as paper money. The chief creditors of the State were its own citizens. Some of them had advanced money, and were bona fide creditors ; others, and some of these were government officials, had pur chased " State securities" and " soldier's certificates," at less than one-eighth of their nominal value, and these could have afforded to wait a little longer, and all these creditors were pressing the government for payment. The legislature, be- HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 61 ing thus plied, unwisely yielded, and enormous taxes were imposed upon the people. As early as 1782, signs of discontent began to be visible, which were soon followed by open complaints and loud mur murs. As the good people of this town experienced their share of the general pressure, they naturally united in the general discontent. The legislature had passed an act for making a general valuation of the taxable property of the people, and another act, levying an excise or duty upon sev eral articles of trade. This last act produced dissatisfaction, and was thought to interfere with their rights and privi leges ; were unequal and unjust. A remonstrance was sent to John Bisco, Esq., their representative, to present to the General Court, requesting the act to be repealed, or other wise " redress grievances too palpable to be denied, and too great to be borne." A circular was sent to the several towns in the county of Worcester, requesting them to send delegates to a conven tion to be held at Worcester, " to take into consideration the many grievances the good people of this Commonwealth la bor under." The town chose Mr. Isaac Jenks a delegate to attend said convention. They met on the 14th of April, and again, by adjournment, in May of the same year. ' The con vention reported a list of grievances, which were sent to the several towns. Mr. Jenks was chosen representative, and he was instructed to urge upon the General Court the adoption, generally, of the articles of reform recommended by the convention. He was also instructed to procure laws to be passed, that no suit should be commenced without previous ly giving notice to the debtor ; that State notes and certifi cates be made a tender for all debts on executions ; that all property attached for debt, whether real or personal, should be appraised to the creditor, to satisfy his debt, &c. In 1784, the town was indebted to the State for two years' delinquent taxes, and executions were issued against all the constables 6« 62 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. for the same. Another circular was received from Willis Hall, moderator of a town meeting in Sutton, recommend ing another convention to be holden at Worcester, March 16th, 1784. A town meeting was called, and Deacon Oliver Watson was chosen delegate. This convention, also, report ed a list of grievances, one of which was, that the impost was granted to Congress for twenty-five years. This report was laid before the town by their delegate. The town ap proved of it, and instructed their representative to lay the same before the General Court. The pressure now became exceedingly heavy, and the prospect appeared ominous. A large State tax was laid to meet a requisition from Congress, and the town was still in arrears for past taxes. In this situation, a town meeting was called November 9, 1785, and the town voted to send a petition to the General Court, asking for a redress of grievances. In this petition they say, among other things, that the town is deeply in debt for hiring soldiers and procuring beef for the army, private contracts pressing, no cash, property sold for less than half of its value on execution, &c, and they pray that a bank of paper money may be established, or that property may be made a tender for payment of debts. June 8, 1786, a special town meeting was called to see if the town will take into consideration the present distress of the people of this commonwealth, occasioned " for want of a circulating medium to satisfy the demands now called for." At this meeting a committee was chosen, and directed to send circulars to other towns in the county for another con vention, to reconsider the " present distresses, &c." This committee, consisting of Deacon Oliver Watson, Capt. Joshua Draper, Asa Sprague, John Sumner, and Benjamin Bemis, jun., notified a convention to be holden at Leicester, June 26, 1786. Mr. John Sumner was chosen a delegate. Dele gates from seventeen towns only met, and they adjourned to August 15th. In the meantime another town meeting was HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 6S called, and Col. Benjamin Bemis was chosen as additional delegate : the delegates were instructed to use their best endeavors to obtain " a bank of paper money, <{r." But the legislature, undoubtedly, did wisely bj denying their request Another town meeting was called to petition the General Court for a hani. &e. They also voted to send a petition to the Court of Common Pleas, to adjourn all suits from June to September, without giving judgment in any case. The town approred of the doings of the last convention, who re ported a farther list of grievances, one of which was, the er- istenee of the Judicial courts. The town had previously voted to pawn their •¦ state securities *' for money to discharge ex ecutions from thc state against the town. The public mind now became highly inflamed, and the voice of discontent was raised to the highest pitch, and a large majority of the inhabitants of the town were united in sentiment and action with the malcontents. Some of the causes of complaint with the people were, the high salaries of public officers ; the fees of lawyers and sheriffs : the fre quent suits at law, and the consequent costs of court : and these salaries and fees were, no doubt, disproportionate, com pared with the situation of the times, and must have added, not a little, to the distresses of the people. In spite however, of the petitions, the remonstrances, the clamors, and the threats of the people, the courts continued to entertain all actions for the recovery of debts, and to issue executions as usual. William Lincoln, Esq.. in his History of Worcester, states that, in 17S4. more than two thousand actions were entered in the county of Worcester, then having a population of less than 50,000. and that in 17S5. about 1700. Lands and goods were seised and sacrificed on sale when the gener al difficulties drove away purchasers. The writer of this work has some recollection of the passing events of that pe riod, and attests, that in this relation of those times, no exaggeration is made, and that it would he utterly impossi- 64 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. ble for the present generation to realize or have an adequate idea of the real situation of things at that time. By the multiplicity of suits and the costs arising thereon, the courts had become so odious to the people of Spencer, that they presented the extraordinary petition to the legis lature, praying that the " courts may be abolished," declaring that they " conceived their existence to be a great and unnecessa ry burthen upon the people."0 As the courts declined suspending judgments and execu tions on suits for the collection of debts, the malcontents formed the rash and desperate resolution of taking the law into their own hands, to stop the sittings of the courts, by force and violence, and thus prevent the issuing of exe cutions. Accordingly, at the time of the session of the Court of Common Pleas at Worcester, September 1786, considerable numbers of the people from most of the towns in the county assembled at Worcester, consisting of about 400 men, and about one-half of them armed. They succeeded in prevent ing the sitting of the court ; no business was done, and the court adjourned and continued all actions to the term in December. In December, the rising ofthe people became more gener al. Armed companies from Ward, Holden, Spencer, Rut land, Barre, Petersham, Paxton, Grafton, and other towns, marched in hostile array to Worcester. Detachments from Shrewsbury, Hardwick, Princeton, Hubbardston, Leicester, and other towns joined them, and the whole number, armed and unarmed, probably exceeded 2000 men, all either en- ° At this time it is said that the offices of Levi Lincoln, senior, of Wor cester, Dwight Foster of Brookfield, and John Sprague of Lancaster, they be ing the principal lawyers in the county, were thronged every day with suit ors, and presented the appearance of some public day, when there is a gath ering of the people, the door yards of their offices, and adjoining fences, being lined with the horses and carriages of unfortunate debtors, and not much less unfortunate creditors. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 65 gaged, or actively aiding and abetting the insurgents. The company that went from thi* town, was armed and equipped with powder and ball, ready to do the deadly work, if neces sary. In this company were several veterans of the revolu tion, who still undoubtedly felt they were engaged in defence of their liberties. The court was again overawed, and again adjourned without doing any business, agreeable to the direc tion of the General Court, to the 23d day of January, 1787, at which time Governor Bowdoin sent on armed forces to pro tect the sitting of the court, and they proceeded unmolested to transact the usual business. During the winter, however, parties of the insurgents, under the command of Shays, Wheeler, Day and other leaders, traversed various parts of this and other western counties, to overawe the peaceable and loyal inhabitants of the state. For this purpose, a company of about 200 insur gents assembled at New Braintree, on the second day of February, one of whom was David May of this town. About twenty horsemen and 150 infantry in sleighs were sent to dislodge them. They were fired upon by the insur gents, and Doct. David Young and another person were wounded. Young afterwards commenced an action against May, and recovered large damages, which exhausted all his property in satisfying, so that he was obliged to sell his farm, and remove to the state of Vermont, where he died, not long since. The insurrection was finally quelled with but little bloodshed. Two or three commissioned officers of the militia in this town were temporarily disqualified, and all who arose treasonably against government were ordered to take the oath of allegiance before John Bisco, Esq., and surrender their fire arms to his keeping during the pleasure of government. Many of the insurgents were imprisoned in different parts of the commonwealth, and this town petitioned Gov ernor Bowdoin that they might be pardoned and set at 66 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. liberty. They also sent a petition to the General Court to pass a general act of indemnity, and suspend the action of the courts until after ihe election. The motive which prompted this petition, though then very apparent, may not now be understood without some explanation. Governor Bowdoin was then in the chair of state, and was supposed to have been, in some measure, accountable for those unpopular acts of the General Court ; he had ordered out the troops, although no more than his imperious duty, to quell the insur rection, and he was thought to be inclined to severe meas ures in further dealing with them. Governor Hancock, on the contrary, was known to be favorable to a more lenient policy, and was, also, a favorite of the people. They were both candidates for the gubernatorial chair for the election then close at hand. Hence the petition for delay. The day of election came, and Governor Bowdoin was su perseded by Governor Hancock by a large majority. The votes in this town were, for John Hancock 87, for James Bowdoin 7, a true index of the numbers and feelings of the parties.0 Henry Gale of Princeton, one of the leaders of the insur gents, was tried for high treason and sentenced to be execu ted. A special town meeting was called, and a petition was sent to Governor Hancock for his pardon ; other towns also sent in petitions for tbe same. He was brought out to the gallows for execution, where he was reprieved, and afterwards pardoned by the Governor. During the reign of terror, when the law was almost prostrate, and the arm of government paralyzed, Abijah Livermore and six other of the inhabitants of Spencer, broke open the town's magazine and took away the entire stock of ° James Hathaway wns elected representative this year. A committee was appointed to draft instructions for him. In commencing their in structions, they say, " It is a day of public distress and trouble, and dark clouds hang over this commonwealth." HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 67 powder, balls, &c. After peace was restored, and the law once more triumphant, Mr. Livermore and three of his com panions made a humble confession to the town, which now appears on their records, and no further notice was taken of the matter. For a few years, an alienation in the feelings of the peo ple towards each other was visible, and predominated in all elections and common intercourse of society, but it gradual ly disappeared, the parties became reconciled to each other, and peace and harmony prevailed ; and the effects of this quasi war are now among the things lost and forgotten. Having given an account of the first settlement of Spen cer, and its incorporation as a town, passed through the rev olution with its attendant poverty, misery and distress, and the insurrection of Shays, which immediately followed ; in fine, having brought the history, or rather the annals of the town to 1788, I shall suspend further details, while I endeavor to give a description of its appearance at that time ; the habits and manners of the people, their occupations, morals, amusements, and mode of living. And in this des cription, I do not mean to be understood as representing this as being particularly singular from other places, but with few exceptions, as a fair specimen, with but little vari ation, for New England in general. As nearly three-fourths of a century has past away "with the years beyond the flood," and with it all the inhabitants who occupied our present places ; it may be useful to the present generation, that they may be enabled to compare and appreciate their own pleas ant places, habitations and circumstances, with the poverty, disadvantages and hardships of their fathers. The highways were then intolerable. The great Post Road, by far the best in the country, and which has since received so many straightenings and levellings, was then so rough and hilly, that it was only competent for a team of 68 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE, four horses to transport the weight of one ton to Boston, and return with the same weight, in one week. Now, the same team, if necessary, could easily transport thrice the amount of weight, over the same road, within half the time. Our town roads were mere single tracks, just wide enough for the passage of a pair of wheels, and without any turnouts ; for the chief instruments in repairing the roads, were the cart and the iron bar ; the plough, now considered indispensable on the highway, was then never used for that purpose ; and what rocks could not be removed with iron bars alone, stood their ground, in whatever part of the road they happened to be located, bidding defiance to the horses' hoofs or the wheels of the carriages ; for the use of gunpowder in removing rocks was then unpractised, and hardly known. It is probable that not more than two thirds of the land was under cultivation, the other third being in its primeval state. The dwelling houses were mostly of one story in height, and not half a dozen in town were painted. As for a chaise or other pleasure carriage, there were not more than one or two in town, and the only locomotive to trans port a family to meeting, was a horse, saddle and pillion. With this accommodation, the good man, on a Sunday morn ing, would mount the saddle, taking a little one before him, and his wife on the pillion behind, and trudge along five miles to meeting without a murmur ; while his barefooted children in their homespun, would walk cheerfully the same distance. During the interval between the services, the young lads and lasses, with cheerful countenances and sparkling eyes, were collected in the gallery pews, engaged in happy conversation ; the old ladies in groups below, were no less engaged, in low, murmuring voices, scarce above a whisper ; while the old men, in companies, sat upon the grass under the shade of trees, which then grew on the com mon, were discoursing of the sermon and hard times, while munching their bread and cheese. That part of the public HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 69 common west of the meeting house, was then limited to a space of about five or six rods square, and on this small spot was located the town's pound, seven or eight horse stables, the town stocks, and a fixture somewhat resembling a public stage or rostrum, but now obsolete, and in common parlance called a horse-block. A similar structure stood at the east end of the meeting house. At the close of the religious ser vices, and after the town clerk had made proclamation in a loud voice to the retiring congregation, of those who were about to enter the state of matrimony ; then might be seen, standing erect on those fixtures, the ancient dames and the young damsels, awaiting their turns to vault upon their saddles or pillions, while the shrill neighings of the numerous young colts in attendance, mingled with the responsive calls of their dams, added pastoral music to the scene. There were then but three dwelling houses in what was once the lower village, and these three stood in juxtaposi tion, and were all taverns : the house kept by Captain Ebenezer Mason, lately owned by his grandson Joseph Ma son, the house then kept by Mr. Isaac Jenks, and now owned by William C. Watson, and the house occupied by Mr James Livermore, on the site of Col. Temple's. These have irrev erently been compared to the three taverns alluded to by St. Paul, when he " thanked God and took courage." In what was once called the upper village, there were only two dwell ing houses, viz : the Rev. Joseph Pope's, now owned by his son AVilliam Pope, Esq., and the house now owned by Mr. Washington Morse, and occupied by Deacon Oliver Morse and Reuel Jones. There was a school house which stood on what is now the west part of the common. Before proceeding further with the description of Spencer, as it zvas, the views of an European traveller who passed through here at this period, will be given. 70 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. A French gentleman, M. DeWareville,0 traveled through the States, for the sole purpose of seeing the country and observing the habits and manners of the inhabitants, After his return to France, he published an account of his travels, which was translated and published in this country. He landed in Boston, July 30, 1788. His first journey was to New York, by land. A new line of stages had been estab lished by Messrs. Pease and Sikes, by way of Spencer, and in the summer season the journey was performed in four days.f This journey was commenced August 9. It is presumed the following extract from his book of travels, though somewhat long, will not be found uninteresting. After giving a short description of his journey from Boston to Worcester, he proceeds : " We slept the first night in Spencer, a new village in the midst of the woods. The house of the tavern was but half built ; but the part that was finished, had an air of cleanliness which pleases, because it announces that degree of compe tence, those moral and delicate habits, which are never seen in our villages. The chambers were neat, the beds good, the sheets clean, the supper passable ; cider, tea, punch, and all for fourteen pence per head. There were four of us. Now com pare this order of things with our French taverns, — cham bers dirty and hideous, beds infested with bugs, those insects which Sterne calls the rightful inhabitants of taverns, if indeed, long possession gives a right; sheets ill washed and exhaling a foetid odor, bad covering, and wine adul terated, and every thing at its weight in gold ; greedy ser vants, who are complaisant only in proportion to your equipage, groveling towards a rich traveler, and insolent towards him whom they suspect of mediocrity. Such are '¦' This gentleman, after his return to France, suffered death by the guillo tine under the reign of terror. f The journey from Boston to New York, is now easily performed by steam in twelve hours. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 71 the eternal torments in France ; add to this the fear of being robbed, the precautions necessary to be taken every night to prevent it, while in the United States you travel without fear and without arms, and you sleep quietly among the woods, in an open chamber of a house whose doors shut without locks, and now judge which country merits the name of civilized, and which bears the aspect of the greatest general happiness. " We left Spencer at four o'clock in the morning. New carriage, new proprietor. It was a carriage without springs, a kind of wagon. A Frenchman who was with me, began at the first jolt to curse the carriage, the driver, and the country. Let us wait, said I, a little, before we form a judg ment ; every custom has its cause, there is doubtless some reason why this kind of carriage is preferred to one hung on springs. In fact, by the time we had run thirty miles among the rocks, wc were convinced that a carriage with springs would very soon have been overset and broken. N " The traveler is well recompensed for the fatigue of this route, by the variety of romantic situations, by the beauty of the prospects which it offers at every step, by the perpetual contrast of nature, and the efforts of art. Those vast pbnds of water, which lose themselves in the woods ; those rivulets that wash the meadow, newly snatched from uncultivated nature ; those neat houses scattered among the forests and containing swarms of children, joyous and healthy, and well clad. Those fields covered with trunks of trees, whose destruction is committed to the hand of time, and which are covered under the leaves of Indian corn ; those oaks which preserve still the image of their ancient vigor, but which, girdled at the bottom, raise no longer to heaven but dry and naked branches, which the first stroke of wind must bring to the earth ; all these objects, so new to an Eu ropean, arrest him, absorb him, and plunge him into an agreeable reverie. The depths of the forests, the prodigious 72 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. height and size of the trees, call to mind the time when the savages were the only inhabitants of this country. This ancient tree has beheld them ; they filled these forests ; they have now given place to another generation. The cul tivator fears no more their vengeance ; his musket, formerly his necessary companion at the plow, now rests suspended in his house. Alone, with his wife and children, in the midst of the forests, he sleeps quietly, he labors in peace, and he is happy. Such were the ideas that occupied me the greater part of my journey ; they sometimes gave place to others, arising from the view of the country houses, which are seen at small distances through all the forests of Massachusetts. Neatness embellishes them all. They have frequently but one story and a garret ; their walls are papered ; tea and coffee appear on their tables ; their daughters, clothed in cal icoes, display traits of civility, frankness and decency ; vir tues which always follow contentment and ease. Almost all these houses are inhabited by men who are both cultivators and artizans ; one is a tanner, another is a shoemaker, another sells goods ; but all are farmers. The country stores are well assorted ; you find in the same shop, hats, nails, liquors. This order of things is necessary in a new settlement ; it is to be hoped it will continue, for this gen eral retail occupies less hands, and detaches fewer from the great object of agriculture. It is not supposed that one third of the land of Massachusetts is under cultivation, and it is difficult to say when it will be so, considering the invi tations of the Western country and the province of Maine. But the uncleared lands are all located, and the proprietors have enclosed them with fences of different sorts. These several kinds of fences are composed of different materials, which announce the different degrees of culture in the coun try. Some 'are composed of the light branches of trees ; others of the trunks of trees laid one upon the other ; a third sort is made of long pieces of wood, supporting each HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 73 other by making angles at the end; a fourth kind is made of long pieces of hewn timber, supported at the ends by passing into holes made in an upright post ; a fifth is like the garden fences in England ; the last kind is stones thrown together to the height of three feet. This last kind is most durable, and is common in Massachusetts. " From Spencer to Brookfield the road is good, as far as the last town. The situation of Brookfield is picturesque. While breakfast was preparing, I read the Gazettes and Journals, which are distributed through all the country. Our breakfast consisted of coffee, tea, boiled and roasted meat ; the whole for ten pence, New England currency, for each traveller. From this place to Wilbraham, the road is covered with rocks, and bordered with woods." This tavern house in Spencer, " half built," situated in a " new village in the midst of the woods," was none other than the Jenks tavern, which was at that time being repair ed, and an addition being erected on the west side, and not completed. This description of this part of Massachusetts seventy- two years ago, is generally correct, and such as it would ap pear in passing through it; but I doubt whether the houses were, many of them, painted without or papered within ; or whether the farmers' daughters were dressed in calicoes. Previous to the present century, there were, in what now constitutes the central village, including the whole of Main street, from Leicester to Brookfield, twenty-five buildings only (barns not included). The houses of Rev. Joseph Pope, Capt. Ebenezer Mason, Isaac Jenks, James Livermore, Josi ah Cary, or rather Elisha Harrington, have been mentioned. The others were, Deacon Reuben Underwood, now owned by John Stone ; Thomas Sumner, on the site of Joshua Prou- ty's ; John Sumner, on the site of his son, Cheney Sumner ; William Knight, on the site of Francis Adams and Mrs. 7* 74 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Saddler ; Zebina Abbot, on the site of Mrs. Wm. Sumner, and his clothier's shop ; Elijah Howe, jun., near the house of Charles Fay ; Amasa Bemis, now Mr. Robinson ; Stephen Jenks, near that of Abner Howland ; Capt. Simeon Draper, now owned by Mrs. Mary Livermore ; the tavern of Jeremi ah Whittemore, owned by George Bemis, 2d, and lately burn ed, and a new house lately built; Deacon John Muzzy, or Samuel Ryan, on the site of Aaron Watson ; Reuben Whit temore, now owned by Edward Proctor ; Nathaniel T. Bor ing, near that of Lewis Bergeron ; and Deacon Oliver Wat son, now owned by Ebenezer Howard ; the Congregational church, the store of John Clark, an ordinary-looking school house ; all these on the main street. On what is now Ash street, the house of John White, now owned by Thomas B. Clark, and the house of Capt. Samuel Lamb, now occupied by Charles Grout. There are now, within the limits above described, 164 dwelling houses, 94 of which are on Main street, and 70 on the intermediate streets ; 3 churches, 1 vestry, 3 school houses, 1 town house, 7 large buildings for the manufacture of boots, some of them elegant, and 22 other buildings, in cluding factories, mechanics' shops, &c. (not including barns), making in the whole 201 buildings, most of them respectable. SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO. Except a few mechanics, the people were all farmers. There were no butchers, or pedlers, to bring fresh meats, fish, fruits and other desirable things to their doors. The farmer, from his own resources, by the use of the spade and hoe without, and the wheel and loom within doors, nearly supplied all his wants for food and clothing. The fam ily breakfast was generally bread and milk, taken early in the morning, before going out to his labors. About nine o'clock, a luncheon, called a " baiting," was brought out to HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 75 the field, and with a bottle of cider, with cordial zest was taken under a cooling shade. At twelve o'clock, the horn was sounded for dinner, and the good man, with his sturdy sons, leaving their labor, came in from the field, dripping with perspiration, to partake of the wholesome repast, con sisting of boiled salted pork and beef, with vegetables, pre pared by the good wife and her buxom daughters. Often, for a change, baked pork and beans was the order for din ner, with an Indian pudding for dessert. After half an hour for " nooning," again to the field, with renewed vigor, to toil until about four o'clock, then another luncheon. At night a similar preparation as in the morning, for the children and the feminine part of the household for supper, and bread, butter, cheese, and a remnant of " cold victuals," for the sterner sex. " Let not ambition mock their useful toil," for they were our fathers and mothers. Yes, the fathers and mothers of all, whether in a lofty or more humble sphere of life ; and we will surely forever hold them in grateful remem brance. For us they toiled and subdued the stubborn soil ; for us they suffered great deprivations, for which we have received the rich legacy of peace, plenty and indepen dence. The last Wednesday in May, election day, was the special holiday. All labor waaathen suspended, and the entire day devoted to amusements. Hunting, fishing, bathing, and all athletic recreations, were the order of the day, and the old, as well as the young, had their sports and pastimes. But Thanksgiving was then, as now, the great feast day. Then the spit and the oven were in special requisition. Roast meat, pies and sweet cakes abounded with profusion, and the maxim of Solomon was fully realized, that there was " Noth ing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and make his soul enjoy the good of his labor." In the eve ning, the young people of both sexes, jubilant with the oc- 76 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. casion, assembled, the fiddle being in attendance, and after- the floor was well sanded, the dance commenced. The "reel," " old father John," " hunt the squirrel," &e., being satisfac torily performed, not forgetting the "jig." " The dancing pair that simply sought renown, By holding out to tire each other down." MORALS. This is a delicate subject to review, whether for the past or the present, but there is no doubt, that at the close of the revolutionary war, the morals of the people were rather of a low order. The camp is a prolific school for the vices. There, idleness, intemperance, profaneness and profligacy of almost all kinds, abound, thrive and are nourished. And when the soldiers returned home, they were accompanied, more or less, with some of those vices, and mingling and as sociating with the people, the old proverb was soon verified, that " evil communications corrupt good manners." Tav ern-haunting, drinking, gambling, fighting, and all the con comitants of idleness, were rife in the community ; and though there is still much room for improvement, yet, ex cept among the very dregs of the people, there is not a tithe of those debasing vices abounding among us. Probably, we may have discarded some of the virtues of our puritanic grandfathers, yet, on the whole, there is a decided improve ment in society. SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL HOUSES. The first notice of a school on record, in the town of Lei cester, is 1731, when the town voted " to provide a school master to read and write, to be kept three months in three parts of the town." The next year there was no school, and the town was presented at the quarter sessions for the neg- HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 77 lect. The first school house was built in 1736, but probably there was no school kept in it, for the next year the town was again presented for want of a school. This school house was 20 feet long and 16 feet wide, and 6 1-2 feet between the floors, and was set near the present meeting house. In 1738 they probably avoided an indictment, as the records say "Joshua Nichols was allowed £1 lis. 8d. for keeping school ten days and for answering for school master last summer." In 1740, the town was again indicted for the same neglect, and paid £4. 12s. as costs of court. The population of the westerly part of the town (Spencer) then probably contained between 200 and 300 persons, and although they were taxed and paid their proportion of all town charges, yet no provision had been made for a school there.5 The reason probably was, that the population was so sparse, that a school would be of very little benefit. In 1741, the inhabitants of the westerly part petitioned to be exempted from paying taxes for schools and the minister, but their petition was denied. This state of things contin ued until 1748, when the town " voted to have 10 weeks schooling in the West Precinct." For three years there was no further provision made by the town for schools there, when in 1751, three schools were established in that part of the town, " to be kept six weeks, and to be removed twice." Thus far Leicester and Spencer were one town, acting to gether. In 1753, when Spencer was incorporated as a town, and could act independently, no provision was made for schools for two years. 1755, sixteen pounds, and 1756, twenty pounds, was raised for schools, which appear to be mere pit- ° The taxes derived from this part of the town were considerable, as all the lands (20,000 acres), whether belonging to the original proprietors or others, together with the polls and personal property of the settlers, were assessed, and the taxes received therefrom paid into the general town trea sury. 78 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. tanees, but perhaps was as much as the town was able to raise at that time. This year, an article in the warrant at the annual town meeting was, to see if the town would build one or more school houses, but the vote was in the negative.® 1757, a school was kept nine months. 1761, a school was kept ten months, by three school masters. 1766, the town was divided into six districts, and the next year a school was kept in each district, in private houses. 1768, it was voted to build a school house in each district, but this vote was complied with only in part, as the districts were found to be inconveniently large for the accommodation of the scholars, and a new division of the town was made, consti tuting ten districts. 1786, a school house in each district was ordered to be built, but this last order was not fully complied with for some years, as the town had but just come out of the revolution, and was too poor to furnish comfortable dwellings for their own families, schools in the meantime being kept in private families in some of the districts, until about 1790. For several years previous to 1805, the sum of 500 dollars annually was raised and appropriated for the support of schools. Since that period, not less than 600 dollars, often 700 or 800 dollars, has been annually raised for the same object, and in 1837, 38 and 39, one thousand dollars, next 1200 dollars, and for several years past 1500 dollars has been raised for common schools, and 600 dollars for the high school. 1860, the sum of 1800 dollars for district schools and 600 dollars for high school was raised ; add to this the town's proportion of the State school fund and their interest money amounting to about 200 dollars. In 1857, the town caused to be built a large and commo dious building for the accommodation of the high school. The building is two stories in height, elegantly finished, with cupola and bell, the lower story fitted for the use of the ' At the same meeting, " voted to provide stocks, as the law directs." HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 79 school, and the upper for a hall, called "Denny Hall," in honor of Mr. Charles E. Denny, who generously be queathed the sum of two thousand dollars, to be appropri ated towards that object. 1849, another school district was established, being taken mostly from district No. 9, the remainder from district No. 10, being No. 11, and all their limits were defined by geo graphical lines, and stone monuments erected at their sev eral angles. ECCLESIASTICAL. Before giving the ecclesiastical history of Spencer, it will be proper to commence with . that of the town of Leicester, and give a sketch of the same until the westerly part became a separate precinct. October 11, 1716, the proprietors of the town voted, " that as soon as twenty five families are settled within the township of Leicester, the proprietors, as an encouragement to the settlement of religion among them, will advance and give the sum of forty pound money for and towards the building a meeting house." 1719, the house was partly built, and the next year, July 21, William Dudley, Esq., in behalf of the settlers, presented a petition to the Legislature, praying that a vote of the town, raising money for finishing the meeting house, might be ratified. This house was small, and never completely finished, but was the only house of worship for the congregational society until 1784, when the present house was built. The old church stood on the com mon, a little south of the present house. The first minister was the Rev. David Parsons. He had been settled in Maiden, and had been lately dismissed, and several of his people had removed to Leicester. These being 80 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. leading men of the town, it was probably by their influence that application was made to Mr. Parsons to become their minister. He was installed September 15, 1721. The con nexion proved to be an unhappy one, both for minister and people. Although the settlement and dismission of Mr. Parsons took place so many years since, that it may be thought to have lost all interest with the present genera tion, yet like many other matters of history, long since past away, many of the circumstances being of such an ex traordinary and unusual character, it may justify a more particular detail than would otherwise have been given. It is not known when the congregational church was formed, as the ancient church records are lost ; but Governor Washburn, in his History of Leicester, supposes it must have been as early as the first organization of the town, and it must have been prior to the settlement of a minister. The following letters from the people of Leicester to Mr. Parsons are inserted, not because they are absolutely neces sary in giving a history of the case, but as a curiosity, show ing the style, the cant and abject servility that, in those days, were felt and used towards a minister. Such language in these republican times, would not be tolerated, but scout ed and frowned into oblivion. The first is probably what in ecclesiastical matters would be termed the " call." " Rev'd Sir, " After our humble duty to you, These we write in behalf of the town of Leicester, are to give you a true and exact account of onr proceedings in our last town meeting with re spect to yourself. Sir, we are not a little sensible of the Blessing, which we may receive from God, by your Labors amongst us in the work of the ministry, if God in his provi- . dence should remove you from your uneasiness and difficulty, when you are to settle among us ; we hope God will stir up the hearts of his people here, to be studying and endeavor- HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 81 ing your comfort and happiness, so as we may be a Blessing to you, and you a Blessing to us, which we heartily wish and pray for. Rev'd Sir, we with one heart and Consent Do call and Invite you to be our Minister, in the Work of the Gospel amongst/ us, if you see Cause to accept and see your way clear to remove ; but alas if we reflect back upon ourselves, we cant but see we are utterly unworthy of so great a Bless ing, but if you have such a Blessing to bestow on us, as we hope you will be, We desire forever to praise his name for his Goodness to us ward. And sir, we heartily wish that we were in a better Capacity than at present we are, to allow a Minister a better salary, than at present we can ; but this we hope we can say, so far as we are able, we shall be hearty in, and more especially to such a one as yourself. And so we pray God to direct you for the best, after begging a share in your prayers for us. We subscribe your humble servants to command. Leicester, November 30th, 1720. Thomas Newhall, Ralf Earle, William Brown, Daniel Denny, James Southgate, Nath'l Richardson. Reverend Sir. This is the substance of what was acted at our meeting, and with the greatest love and least opposition as could be imagined. The town act is as followeth. " Nov. 28th, at a Town Meeting legally warned, Mr. Na thaniel Richardson Moderator, Voted, that Mr. David Par sons be our Gospel Minister. Voted, that Mr. Parsons have the forty acre lot next the Meetinghouse, and the rights in quantity and quality, as other forty acre lots drawn in after division. Voted, Mr. Parsons have sixty pounds settlement. Voted, that Mr. Parsons have sixty pounds a year salary." Mr. Parsons, after receiving this call, hesitated or declined giving a decisive answer, when the following letter was ad dressed to him. 8 82 HISTOEY OF SPENCEH. " Rev'd Sir. After humble duty to you, These are to in form you that we have received a Letter from yourself which gives us great encouragement, that we may obtain you to settle among us, in order to preach the Gospel among us, which gives us great encouragement to raise "to larger offers as follows. We the subscribers have thought fit to raise our former offers as you have had an account of by us : We do oblige ourselves to make your settlement one hundred pounds, and to add to your salary fifteen pounds, which makes seventy-five pounds. We do humbly beg a brief and speedy relief under the difficulties, which we have labored under a long time. Your humble servants. Leicester, January the 13th, 1720-21. Samuel Green, Thomas Richardson, Richard Southgate, Joshua Nichols, Samuel Stebbings, John Peters, John Smith, William Green, William Brown, John Smith, Nath'l Richardson, John Burton, Hezekiah Bus, Peter Carlisle, John Lynde, Daniel Denny, James Southgate, John Smith, Jun., William Keen, Thomas Smith, Bartholomew Curtis, James Smith, James Wilson, Aaron Bell, Thomas Wascoot, Adam Taler, Joseph Stebbings, Samuel Thomas, Oliver Watson, Joshua Barton." Mr. Parsons was personally known to some of the signers of the last letter ; they had a very high opinion of his char acter and qualifications for the ministerial office, and were very desirous to obtain him. He had declined the offer of the town, which was 60 pounds settlement and 60 pounds salary. Thirty individuals, then voluntarily agreed to make the settlement 100 pounds and the salary 75 pounds. This HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 83 was accepted, and he was removed to Leicester at the ex pense of the town, and installed, as before stated, Septem ber 15, 1721, the town having finally acted on the matter, March 30, 1721. For a time, peace and harmony appear to have prevailed between minister and people, but difficulties soon arose. The people neglected, or what is more probable, were unable, to pay his salary punctually, and then instead of the " blessing " which they so " heartily wished and prayed for," they found they had caught a tartar. How long this mutual satisfaction between minister and people remained, is not now known, but in 1728, Mr. Par sons commenced a suit at the civil law for the arrears of his salary, and not satisfied with that, he actually procured an indictment at the quarter sessions at Cambridge.for this neg lect. This hasty movement produced great irritation with his people. After considerable altercation, a town meeting was called January 2, 1728-29, " to see if the town would raise Mr. Parsons' salary, or otherwise, to see if they were willing he should leave the town." " Voted, that we are willing he should leave the town, but shall not raise his salary.'' Mr. Parsons again applied to the law for redress, and for the arrears of his salary which the town voted not to raise. The town contested his claim, but the court not only sus tained his demand, but amerced the town in a fine for their neglect, and ordered executions to be issued. Having failed at the Judicial Courts, the town next ap plied to the General Court, in a petition, presented Februa ry 26, 1731, " complaining of great irregularities and ill conduct in their minister, Mr. David Parsons, for which the town have voted to dismiss him ; notwithstanding which the petitioners have been fined for not assessing his salary ; praying for relief." The court ordered the petitioners to notify Mr. Parsons to appear at the session in May, to at tend to the petition, " and that execution be stayed in the 84 HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. mean time." At the session in May, the parties met, and after hearing the answer of Mr. Parsons, the petition was dismissed. A large majority of the congregation and church moved together in all these proceedings ; they had voted his dismission, and chose a committee to supply the pulpit, and being thus foiled in all their attempts to depose their minister, and ayoid the payment of his salary, they not only had two or three years salary to pay on execution, but a fine and a heavy bill of cost. This was a sad disappoint ment. Although foiled, they were not discouraged, but de termined to persevere until they attained their object, and at the same session of the General Court, they presented another petition for relief. June 23, 1731, the General Court say, " Whereas, the differences that have arisen be tween the Rev. Mr. Parsons, Pastor of the Church at Leices ter, and a great number (if not a majority) of the brethren of said church and inhabitants of said town have been of long continuance, and proceeded to such a degree as greatly to prejudice the interests and destroy the ends of the Gospel Ministry, the breach between them appearing to be incura ble, and so as to leave no hope that Mr. Parsons' Ministry may be serviceable, at least to a great part of the people, and whereas, application is made in the name of said town and church of Leicester, to the General Court, for relief in the premises; Resolved and ordered, that all such of the inhabi tants of the said town of Leicester, who conscienciously dis sent from Mr. Parsons' Ministry, respecting points either of doctrine or discipline, alleging scruples of conscience as the grounds of their refusal to attend thereon, and do in the space of six months next ensuing, signify the same in writing, under their hands, to Joseph Wilder, Esq., (who is appointed by this court to take a subscription of their hands accordingly,) as also, that they are willing and desirous to uphold and maintain the public worship of God and Gospel order, that then and from thenceforth, all such persons so HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. 85 subscribing, together with their ratable polls and estates of themselves and families, and such of their descendants as shall and may desire the same privileges, shall be freed and exempted from all rates, taxes and assessments, and charges for and towards the support of the said Mr. Parsons ; any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding. Pro vided always, that nothing in this resolve or order shall be deemed, or construed, or taken in prejudice of the said Mr. Parsons' right in or unto that two hundred acres of land* which is, or hath been in his possession, as minister of said town, but that the same shall remain to him, his heirs or assigns, forever, anything in the resolve or order notwith standing; Provided also, that none of the inhabitants, sub scribing as aforesaid, shall receive benefit or exemptions, by virtue of this resolve or order, until he or they do respective ly provide an able orthodox minister, generally to dispense the word of God among them, or otherwise diligently fre quent the public worship iu some one of the neighboring congregations, and submit their estates to be taxed a pro portionable part with the inhabitants of such town or towns, respectively, where they so attend, for and towards the sup port of the ministry there : and do also pay and discharge their respective parts and proportions of Mr. Parsons' salary due or becoming due to him iu the interim." This order was some relief to the consciences of the peti tioners, while it added to the burthens of those who remained, and did but little towards curing the difficulty ; Mr. Par sons still occupied the pulpit to the exclusion of all others, and his salary must still be paid to that time. Many of the people, however, availed themselves of the privilege, and withdrew from his ministry and his support. This move ment so much increased the burthens of those who remained, c It was afterwards increased to 4.5 acres, and a plan and record of the same made on the Proprietors' bock of records. 8* 86 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. that after the dismission of Mr. Parsons, and when about to settle a successor, the town, December 2, 1735, by their committee, Richard Southgate and John Lynde, presented petition to the General Court, " setting forth the great difficulties the said town is under as to the settlement and support of a minister, by reason of the great charges occasioned by the conduct of their late minister, and the great number of those that are exempt by law from being taxed towards those charges, and praying leave to tax all lands one penny per acre for the settlement, &c, of a minister." The town was not yet satisfied, but determined if pos"> sible to avoid the payment of his salary, and they presented another petition to the General Court, July 28, 1731, "set ting forth their great grievances in being constrained to maintain Mr. David Parsons as their minister, after the town had voted his removal, and his conduct had become so ill in that office ; therefore praying that this court would explain the act of the Province for the support of ministers, upon which they were cast at the court of general sessions of the peace for the county of Middlesex, that they may have liberty to appeal from the judgment of the court, or have a trial de novo, so that they may have the benefit of a jury I and that execution be stayed in the meantime." But their petition was not granted, although execution was stayed until another hearing. The General Court at length became worried into the measure, and passed a resolve releasing the town from any longer supporting Mr. Parsons, but then the Governor (Belcher) refused to sign it. This state of things continued until 1734, when " six Worcester gentlemen came as media tors between Mr. Parsons and the town." But the benevo lent efforts of these gentlemen did not succeed. At last the town and church obtained an ecclesiastical council, and they dismissed him in March, 1735. It i3 curious, in looking back to this period, to observe the HI8T0BY OF SPENCEE. 87 difference which then prevailed in respect to the mode of set tling and dismissing ministers, and that of the present day. It was then extremely difficult to effect the dismissal of a min ister, unless there were gross blemishes in his moral character, or his doctrine and mode of discipline did not agree with the Cambridge Platform. They were taken for life, for better or worse, in sickness or health. After his dismissal, he lived in Leicester until his death, which took place October 12, 1743, aged 63. His wife Sarah died June 17, 1759, aged 73. " He was, hy his spe cial direction, buried on his own land, apart from the graves of his people. He was unwilling that his ashes should re pose by the side of those with whom he had worshipped in the sanctuary, and to whom he had broken the consecrated bread ; the grave is now (or was lately) visible in a mowing field, about thirty rods north of the meeting house — a mon ument of human frailty." s Their next minister was the Rev. David Goddard, from Framingham. The town gave him £300 settlement, and £100 salary so long as he remained their minister. He was ordained June 30, 1736. The connection proved a happy one for both parties, and although his salary was often in arrear, he did not like his predecessor sue the town, but meekly awaited their ability to pay. He died January 19, 1754, at Framingham, where he was seized with a fever when on a journey, aged 48. During the ministry of Mr. Parsons, and seven or eight years of Mr. Goddard's, the people of the Westerly part of the town (Spencer) paid their proportion of all parish taxes, and a portion of them attended upon the preaching there, al though previous to some of the above dates, some attempts were made to procure preaching among themselves. As ear ly as April 2, 1739, Samuel Bemis and John Stebbings, in ° Governor Washburn's first History of Leicester, in the Worcester Maga zine, Vol. 2, pages 82 - 84. 88 HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. behalf of the other settlers, met the proprietors at Boston, to " consider some way to have the Gospel preached among the settlers, and to be freed from paying towards the support of the minister of the easterly part of said town, and to come to some agreement about the building a meeting house for the accommodation of the settlers." At this meeting, a vote was unanimously passed, to tax the proprietors' lands, to assist the settlers in those proposed objects. Nothing, however, seemed to have been effectually done, until the next January, when the proprietors " voted unanimously, to lay a tax of three pence per acre on all their lands, for the year 1740, and a further tax of two pence per acre, annually, for the two next years, " for building a good, substantial meet ing house, of forty-five foot long and thirty-five foot wide, on land of Mr. Nathaniel Cunningham, where he and the set tlers shall agree, and towards a minister's support." Accord ingly, Mr. Cunningham, a wealthy merchant of Cambridge, by deed dated February 26, 1740, gave the inhabitants two acres of land, " for the accommodation of the meeting-house, and for a training field, and for such other public uses as the town shall direct, forever." At a subsequent meeting, Oc tober 29, Samuel Bemis, Jonathan Lamb, and Moses Smith, were chosen assessors, and Samuel Capen collector of the aforesaid taxes. Nothing further is heard respecting the meeting house or minister for three years, when, November 2, 1743, ten ofthe inhabitants of the town met the proprietors again at Bos ton, to see what the " proprietors will give towards the as sistance of the inhabitants, for encouragement speedily to settle a learned and orthodox minister of the gospel among them."* At this meeting, the proprietors subjected their ° At a town meeting in Leicester, 1741, application was made by the in habitants of the Westerly part, that the money drawn from them by taxa tion, for parochial purposes, might be appropriated for the support of preach ing in that part of the town, but the request was not granted. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 89 lands to a further tax of two pence, old tenor, per acre, an nually, for five years, towards the support of a minister.0 In tho mean time, the meeting house was built, but at what time is not now known, but another meeting was had at Bos ton the 30th of the same month, " to receive the report of the committee who contracted for tho building the meeting house, and the accounts of the persons employed therein." The house, undoubtedly, was built in 1743. This house, when said to be built, was but imperfectly so, for it never was finished. Tho outward walls were covered with unplaned boards, and without clapboards. The glazing was small diamond glass, with leaden sashes, according to the fashion of those times, but no inside finish ing, with the exception of laying the lower floor. The next year, 1744, the pews next to the walls were built, being four teen only in number, leaving a space at the southeast and southwest angles, for stairs to ascend into the galleries, there being no porches to the house for that purpose, and over each of these stairways were two pews. The interior, on the low er floor, was filled with four seats on each side of the centre aisle, called " body seats." These seats were for the elderly men who were without pews, on the west side, and for the elder women on the east side. In the gallery, were seats for the younger people, tho two sexes separated, east and west, similar to the lower floor. And as a small number on- ° The General Court, in 1749, passed an act abolishing old tenor, and sub stituting what was called new tenor in its stead. This act, not without con siderable opposition, was effected, chiefly, by the influence of tho late Gov ernor Hutchinson, who was then speaker of the House. Tho currency was greatly depreciated and irregular, and this act was a great relief to the com munity. At tho time this act was passed, twenty shillings old tenor was equal to two shillings and eight pence, lawful money, or about forty-four cents. Consequently, the salary of Mr. Eaton, for his first year, being 160 pounds, old tenor, was equal to $66.67, and a tax of two pence, old tenor, per nere, calculating 20,000 acres of land for the town, would be about $74.83. 90 HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. ly of the inhabitants were accommodated with pews, many attempts were made for leave to build pews on part of the ground occupied by the body seats, without success until 1767, when it became necessary to repair the house ; the priv ilege of building four pews was sold, and the avails appro priated for new covering and clapboarding the house, and some finishing inside. This was indeed a day of small things with our fathers, this house being their only place of worship until 1772, when a new, substantial, and even elegant house for those days, was built, being 56 feet long by 47 feet wide. In 1802, a tower and cupola with a bell was added, and 1838, the same house was enlarged, and entirely new finished and new modeled, within and without, in handsome modern style. It has already been mentioned, that the act, whereby this part ofthe town became a Parish, was passed June 18, 1744. The first and only candidate for the ministry was the Rev. Joshua Eaton. He commenced preaching here, probably, in September, 1743. A church was formed May 17. 1744. The same day a covenant was subscribed by the following persons : Joshua Eaton, Pastor, Josiah Robinson, James Wilson, Deacon, James McClure, Joshua Barton, John Lawdon, Archibald Thomas, Deacon, Oliver Watson. Jonathan Ormes, It will be seen that at that time, though only a candidate for the ministry, Mr. Eaton subscribed himself "Pastor." May 28, 1744, the church and society gave an invitation to Mr. Eaton to be their minister, offering him all the land tax, lately assessed, besides an additional sum by subscrip tion, as a settlement, and one hundred and fifty pounds, old tenor, for salary. He gave his answer in the affirmative, September 24, of the same year. The town also voted to add five pounds, annually, to the salary, until it should HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. 91 amount to 200 pounds, old tenor, and the sum was to be made equal to silver at twenty-six shillings and eight pence per ounce. In 1748, the currency became so depreciated, that 100 pounds was added to his salary, and 1766, it was made equal to about $244, and so remained until his death. Mr. Eaton was ordained November 7, 1744. Mr. Pren tice of Grafton, made the introductory prayer. Mr. Hall of Sutton, preached the sermon, from 1 Timothy, 6 : 20. " O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoid ing profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called." Mr. Cheney of Brookfield, made the prayer previous to the charge ; Mr. Hall gave the charge ; Mr. Goddard of Leicester, made the prayer after the charge ; Mr. Webb of Uxbridge, gave the right hand of fellowship, and Mr. White of Hardwick, "joined in laying on the hands." The Rev. Joshua Eaton was the only son of Mr. Joshua Eaton, and was born at Waltham, then apart of Watertown, December 15, 1714, old style. He was graduated at Har vard University in 1735. His parents* had designed him for the ministry, but contrary to their wishes, and to their great disappointment, he turned his attention to the law, and stud ied that profession with Judge Trowbridge of Cambridge, then an eminent attorney at law. In 1737, he commenced the practice of law at Worcester, being six years after the incorporation of the county, and was the first lawyer who es tablished himself in that town. He continued in the prac tice only about five years. His talents were reputable, and he soon acquired an extensive business in his profession. He early shone with a promising lustre in the knowledge and ° His parents, says his biographer, were " honest and respectable." They removed to Worcester, where his father carried on the business of a tanner, and was one of the selectmen of that town in 1742. They afterwards re moved and lived with their son in Spencer, where his mother died June 5, 1760, aged 73. His father died February 26, 1767, aged 84. 92 HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. practice of the law, and had the fairest prospect of acquiring to himself a good and great name in that profession, and acquiring an ample fortune to his family.0 About the year 1740, he received a powerful impression in favor of the subject of religion, which induced him, in ac cordance with the desires of his parents, to turn his views to the ministry ; and for that porpose, he commenced the study of theology. He is supposed to have received his first relig ious impressions from the celebrated George Whitefield, who, in one of his itinerations through the country, visited Wor cester and preached there in 1740. The glowing eloquence, the ardent and impetuous zeal of Mr. Whitefield, created great agitation, distraction and division among the New England churches. True, he was opposed by a large major ity of the clergy, but a few joined with him and encouraged his preaching.f ° Funeral sermon by the Rev. Eli Forbes of North Brookfield. f Mr. Whitefield was a man of extraordinary powers of elocution, and he won multitudes, but his language was coarse and disrespectful to his oppo nents, of revolutionary tendency, and sometimes bordering on impiety, and his measures disorganizing. President Clapp, of Yale College, testifies, that he heard Mr. Whitefield make use of the following language : "I in tend to turn the generality of the ministers of this country out of their pulpits (who are half beasts and half devils) , and bring over ministers from England." His preaching produced great divisions and great acrimony of feeling between those of the clergy who adhered to him, and those who op posed him. The former asserted that he ought to be supported " because the doctrines which ho preaches are agreeable to the standard of truth, and also because of his remarkable success." In reply it was asked if it was true " that God loved sinners as sinners ?" which was quoted as one of Mr. Whitefield's assertions, and in answer to the second they reply, " It is to be observed with lamentation, that the success of his ministry (if it may be called success) hath been to raise in the minds of many, a spirit of censori- ousness, and uncharitableness, of bitterness, anger, wrath, malice, envy, revenge, in many, as is evident to every observing eye, by the carriage of his admirers toward many of the brethren, with whom, before he came amongst us, they lived in jttace and good agreement. Such success he hath had, to the grief of manj^odly persons." Deane's History of Scituate, pages 225, 402, 413. HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. 93 The enthusiasm of Mr. Eaton so far carried him beyond the bounds of propriety, that he incurred the censure of the church in Worcester, and he was suspended from their com munion. By his own request, an ecclesiastical council was convened to advise in the matter between himself and the church. Upon this he remarks in his diary : Novem ber 25, 1743. " The church was pleased to restore me to christian privileges without any acknowledgement, and gave as a rea son for what they had done, in censuring me, that they look ed upon me as being actuated by an overheated brain." About this time, he had commenced preaching as a candidate in Spencer. Mr. Eaton lived with his people in great harmony, during his ministry, and though often called from his labors by se vere indisposition, they did not complain, but cheerfully paid him the small pittance of a salary, and their affection con tinued unabated to his death, which took place April 2, 1772, aged 57, and in the 28th of his ministry. Mr. Eaton in his person was tall and slim, lacking some what of that rotundity of figure which implies a healthy and sound constitution. In fact he was, during the greater part of his ministry, predisposed to consumption, and of which disease he died. Although his religious zeal had con siderably abated, yet his piety continued ardent, and his con duct and deportment throughout his life was consistent with his profession as a christian. Possessing a kind and affec tionate disposition, of tender sensibility, and overpowered by emotion, he sometimes addressed his people from the desk, in tears. He never regretted the exchange from a lucrative profession to one that gave him but a meagre support. Be ing, on some occasion, called to attend court at Worcester, he exclaims, "0, the tumult and dissipation and snares that attend courts. I think I would not return to the practice of the law on any consideration." His preaching was plain and practical, and he seldom or never delivered doctrinal dis- 9 94 HISTOEYOFSPENC E/B . courses. After his death, a volume of his sermons was printed, which were characteristic of his general preaching. To this volume was added a memoir of his life, together with the sermon delivered at his funeral, by the Jtev. Eli Forbes of Brookfield. He was married to Sarah Elliot, " of an an cient and honorable family," December 26, 1739. She was sister to John Elliot, Esq., of whom some account is given, in another place in this work. She died October 28, 1770. REV. JOSEPH POPE. After the death of Mr. Eaton, Daniel Grosvenor supplied the pulpit two sabbaths* and a Mr. Z. Butler, four Sabbaths. Next, Rev. Joseph Pope preached as a candidate, and con tinued to supply the pulpit until he was ordained. Mr. Pope was born in Pomfret, afterwards a part of Brooklyn, Conn., September 28, 1746, and was a neighbor of General Israel Putnam, of revolutionary memory, with whom he ex changed social visits until the death of the General, which took place 1790. Mr. Pope was graduated at Harvard University in 1770. After leaving college, he was employed one year teaching a Latin School in Worcester, where he fitted several young gentlemen for college. He commenced the study of theology with the Rev. Mr. Searl of Stoneham, Mass., and completed his course under the Rev. Mr. Putnam of Pomfret, the minister of his native town. After preach ing about three months at Uxbridge, Mass., he came by invitation to this town, and giving satisfaction to the people of this place, they with great unanimity gave him a call, February 15, 1773, to settle with them as their min ister. He was offered the sum of £133 6s. 8d. (#444,45) as settlement, and #244, as salary, " during ihe time he shall ° Bev. Daniel Grosvenor, also a native of Pomfret, Conn. He was or dained at Grafton, October 19, 1774, and dismissed January 1, 1788, after wards installed at Paxton, November 5, 1793, and dismissed November 17, 1802. He died at Petersham at an advanced age. Y^*ffa*ry€l^A.v HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 95 supply the pulpit in this place." The settlement and salary, for aught that appears, was satisfactory, but the conditions were rejected. The offer was then qualified, so as he should receive his salary " so long as he shall continue in that office in this place." These terms were accepted, and he was ordained October 20, 1773. Eleven clergymen, with their delegates, assisted at the ordination, viz : Mr. Putnam of Pomfret, Mr. Hall of Sutton, who also assisted at the ordi nation of Mr. Eaton twenty-nine years previously, Messrs. Ward, Forbes and Fiske, from the three parishes in Brook field, Mr. Searl of Stoneham, Mr. Conklin of Leicester, Mr. Paine of Sturbridge, Mr. Maccarty of Worcester, Mr. Sumner of Shrewsbury, and Mr. Thayer of Paxton. Mr. Pope was married to Miss Anna Hammond, daughter of Col. Benjamin Hammond of Newton, October 9, 1777. During his long ministry, nothing occurred of a serious nature to disturb the harmony between him and his people. A considerable por tion of the time of his ministry, and especially during the period of the revolutionary war, owing to the depreciation of the currency, the salary was unreasonably small, and was by no means an adequate remuneration for his services, and especially for the support of his family. But this was a time of universal distress, when not only ministers were de prived of an adequate support, but the people also were lit erally crushed to the earth, beneath the enormous burthens heaped upon them, and were scarce able to support them selves and families. Occasionally however, an allowance was made to Mr. Pope, but seldom sufficient to compensate for the depreciation of the currency or the rise in the articles of living in modern times. During some part of the time, while the American army was stationed in the vicinity of Boston, he gratuitously performed the service of chaplain. He continued to supply the pulpit until November 1818, when a sudden stroke of paralysis rendered him nearly helpless during the remainder of his life. He continued however to 96 HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. linger for more than seven years, when death, who must have been a welcome messenger, put a period to his almost worn out existence, March 8, 1826, in the eightieth year of his age, and fifty third of his ministry. After he was unable to officiate at the sacred desk, a junior pastor was settled, and again dismissed before the decease of the venerable senior. Mr. Pope's literary acquirements were superior to the gen erality of his ministerial brethren. He was a good classical scholar, and during his ministry, prepared several young gen tlemen from Worcester and other towns for college, and among others, the Hon. Timothy Bigelow, who always re membered him with gratitude, and frequently with some thing more valuable than compliments, as the writer of this work can attest. In his religious sentiments, like his prede cessor, he was Calvinistic, and like him too, his sermons were plain, practical discourses. He seldom preached upon controversial subjects, except occasionally, when he regaled his hearers with a discourse upon the doctrine of predesti nation, which always gave offence to some of his most seri ous people.0 Mrs. Anna Pope, widow of the Rev. Joseph Pope, survived him more than thirty-three years, and died July 14, 1859, at the great age of one hundred nnd four years, six months and twenty-eight days, having been born at Newton, De cember 16, 1754. The anniversary of her one hundreth year was celebrated December 16, 1854, when a pleasant gathering was had at her habitation, formerly the residence of the Rev. Mr. Eaton. This ancient house was built by him in 1745, being now 115 years old, and still in good repair, and now owned by William Pope, Esq., the only sur viving child of his parents. The following is an account of the anniversary, taken from a newspaper printed at the time, written by the Rev. S. G. Dodd. ° The only printed discourse of Mr. Pope's, is a sermon delivered at the funeral of the Rev. Mr. Williams of Brimfield. j*^n> a^ss^ .4? into Johnson's Pond, at the outlet of which there were mills. From thence it^soon passes into North Brookfield, and unites, at East Brookfield, with Seven Mile River. There is a small stream issuing from Shaw Pond in Leicester, which passes into Spencer ; also another, issuing from Turkey Hill Pond, lying partly in Paxton and partly in Rutland, which also passes into Spencer. These two streams unite in the easter ly part of the town, and running a southwesterly course, unite with Seven Mile River near the house of Daniel Whit temore. Another stream issues from Moose Pond, and pass ing through the Central Village, joins Seven Mile River in the Great Meadow. Another arises from Cranberry Meadow, and unites with Seven Mile River near the house of Mr. Robinson. Another small brook empties into the last men tioned stream near the house of Mr. Butler. These aH unite in forming the Seven Mile River, which is a branch of the Chicopee, which empties into the Connecticut River. A brook arises from Alder Swamp, and running a southeaster- HISTORY OF SPENCER. 121 ly course, receives the waters of Cedar Swamp, passes into Leicester, and is one of the sources of French River. Some of these streams are small, but they have been here described because mills have been erected on all of them, and various kinds of business carried on by their operation. POST OFFICES. There are two post offices in the town ; one in the central village, Luther Hill, Esq., Post Master ; tho other, five miles north of the centre, called North Spencer, Jonas Wilson, Post Master. TOWN HOUSE. In 1839, the town erected a handsome building for the transaction of the municipal and other public business. This building is 50 by 40 feet and two stories high and cupola. Lately a bell has been hung in the cupola, which is now rung at noon and nine o'clock in the evening, and tolled at the decease of a person, striking the age. The lower story is divided into a number of apartments, one for the use of town officers, one for the use of the Fire Department, and other rooms for various other uses. The Town Hall occu pies the whole of the upper story, being twelve feet in height, and appropriated for the use of holding town meetings. The Hall is also used for lectures, fairs, shows, religious meetings, and occasionally for balls. Near to the Town House is a commodious building, two stories high, for the use of the Fire Engine, and the appa ratus belonging to the department. 11* 122 HISTORY OF SPENCER. o CO HmP Q O oaH OPQO P5Ph §00000000000000000 o oooooooooooooooocc o OOOOOOOOWODmWO'OiO'OlO o oonTjiaocoo'ocBOWH'OnHn r- 1 CD a . . * eqco no jT oa m w S S a -d'S^^SS ooo-goo 0 -*3 -G '.3 a a >,P dT3 H rt Stove Funnels, Tin &Copper Ware.&Trim'gs, EO I 1 g g, ¦« S - - S3 g ^ ~ ft h . .5 8 . 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O O OOO O Q O < O O CO CD 00 O O < *••» "w V '_' u v i_j '— ' — ' ^ w '— i— ' '— ' — ' ^^ «J *w v v "^ X^IOOtDCKKOOHlQIQOlOMN'O'ONCCN t— i-^HOJOCOTp-rHCDtQ "^ CQ hJI OH rH rH 3 3 •«p3 -4i-q io o JO to CO CO b-OCO -^ <»co & ft ooooooo ^CiC UPMMMMMMM g_gj t» « 3 -M M^ 0Q O O .2 - - - CJ CQ CQ — m ^ m Sj-b -e •> h b JO On * (4 S nT ages, 200 W. feet, u OQ H« „ ^ . . „ 13 a 1 "OOOOOOOO fl O o •S - - .OOO B o o _• o o o ta o ow ooo ooooooooo00*0000000 0-nO M © ^ IO to O: co co COCOWHNH HCOOOTiHOJN'iJiN CM rH rH s 3 Z OOOOOOOOOOOQOOOO(OOOOOOOOOOOOQOOOC- _ ooooooooooooo*o©ooo< r— I — OO | o O go | i— i Ol CO 1 o 3 ^M *3-3 *>" fe » fi ¦5 § 2 OS," ¦3fi 3 C3 OH * s . oo - to 3 c3 O till 3 -.3 3 M A.P, ^ia £a 35 a ¦3 M m SO 3.3 am II.S-S PhcS O o*o~CD *0 00 00 124 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. PRODUCTIONS OF AGRICULTURE IN 1860. Farms 197; horses 344: oxen 222; cows 761; bushels of wheat 352; rye 206; corn 8632: oats 11,142; potatoes 18,275; tons of hay 3,371. Taxable property in 1855, #1,165,733. Taxable property in 1860, $1,286,333. Besides those business operations above enumerated, there are two satinet manufactories, one woolen manufactory not now in operation, one boot manufactory, five saw mills, three grist mills, and the usual proportion of mechanics. Four stores for the sale of dry goods and groceries. MINERALS. Considerable quantities of upland iron ore were formerly taken from this town, and used in the foundries in Stafford and Brookfield, but is now nearly exhausted ; and Professor Hitchcock states that there is iron ore in some of our mead ows. Peat of good quality has been found, and probably much of it abounds. Clay has been found in different parts of the town ; sufficient quantities of brick were furnished formerly to supply the demand for home market, and some for other towns, but the rise in the price of wood, and the large quantities furnished at East Brookfield, has much diminished the business here. The town contains no granite or other stone suitable for good building materials. SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS. Mr. Whitney says, this town is " an exceedingly fertile township." It contains a considerable quantity of excellent lands for pasturing, grass and other agricultural purposes, and many tons of beef, pork, butter, cheese, &c, are annu ally produced, and formerly sent from town to market ; but HISTOEY OF SPENCER. 125 of late, by the introduction of manufactures, and consequent increase of population, the home market furnishes a demand for all our surplus produce. Many beautiful swells of land, of great fertility, are interspersed through the town, pro ducing grass, Indian corn, barley, oats, potatoes, &c, in abundance. There are some excellent meadows, especially the Great Meadow on Seven Mile River, Mr. Cheney Sum ner's on Moose Pond Stream, and other places. Much of our swamps have become nearly worthless for grass, but lately many of them have been converted into tillage lands with quite satisfactory results. In the first settlement of New England, it was considered indispensable that a few acres of meadow or swamp should be allotted to each farm ; and for a short time they afforded a considerable supply for grass, but soon degenerated. The natural growth of trees is the usual varieties of oak, walnut, chestnut, maple, birch, hemlock, poplar, elm, &c. Our forests have also produced much white pine, of good quality, for building materials. The apple, pear and cherry, when properly cultivated, flourish well, but the circulio has killed our plums, and the cold winters our peach trees. THE OLD CEMETERY. It is probable that all who died here previous to 1740 were carried to Leicester for interment, the place for which was in the immediate rear of the meeting house, which has long since been disused for a burial place, and is partly cov ered by the meeting house and other buildings. In 1740, Mr. Nathaniel Cunningham, who will hereafter be men tioned, conveyed two acres of land to the inhabitants of Spencer, " for the accommodation of a meeting house," and for other parochial and municipal purposes, more than half of which was appropriated for a place to bury their dead. In 1791 about half an acre was added for the same use, and 126 HISTORY OF SPENCER. in 1817 it was further enlarged by the addition of nearly one and a half acre more. In 1857 it was found necessary for further enlargement, and another half acre was added, making in the whole not more than three acres. This con stituted the only burial place for considerably more than a century, in the town, and nearly all who have died here during that period, besides many from other towns, have been interred in this place. At the time of the first pur chase, it was an entire forest, and the trees were not all taken away for many years, and was not and could not be divided into lots; there was no sexton, every family was obliged to prepare the vaults for their own dead, and em ploy whom they could for that pui-pose, and of course the graves were opened promiscuously, and in most gross dis order. Slabs of slate stone are erected at the graves of a portion of the dead, " with uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture decked," but the greater part have no memorial to mark their resting place. In those parts of the grave yard more recently purchased, the ground has been laid out in ranges and divided into lots, with marble stones, and some of them, elegantly wrought, are placed at the head of every grave ; besides there are several handsome marble monu ments, which reflect honor both to the living and the dead. "Through, devious ways and paths unknown, Through forests dark and drear, Our fathers sought these mountain streams, To plant their offspring here. "Through years of toil, through years of want, They bravely struggled on ; And lo ! the forest melts away ; The sturdy oaks are gone. " Their names are left for us to bear; Their spirits, they are fled ; On yonder hill their bones repose, Among the slumbering dead." HISTORY OF SPENCER. 127 PINE GROVE CEMETERY. A few years since, a number of the citizens of this town procured a commodious lot of land for a burial place. After wards, they became a corporation, with all the necessary officers and suitable by-laws, for more conveniently manag ing the concern. This lot is situated about a mile and a half northwesterly of the central village, mostly on a plain, at the margin of Seven Mile River, and named " Pine Grove Cemetery." It is scientifically laid out into lots, conforming to the configuration of the ground, with carriage roads and foot paths conveniently located. Many lots are enclosed with ornamental iron fences, and handsome marble monu ments erected, whose glistening white forms exhibit a grace ful appearance to the passenger. Many of our citizens have become proprietors, and bury their dead in this peaceful resting place. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. Those terrible diseases, the cholera and yellow fever, have never visted this town, and but few cases of the small pox, four only of which proved fatal. Elijah Tucker died May 11, 1777, aged 27 ; Eli Hatch, January 10, 1836, aged 46 ; George Maddock, May 9, 1849, and Angelina A. Powers, daughter of Mr. Levi Powers, January 10, 1853, aged 19, all of the small pox. The measles, mumps and chicken pox, occasionally make their appearance here, as they do in all other places, but generally of a mild type, especially with young people, and seldom prove fatal. Two singular cases happened here in 1842. Mr. Elias Adams and his wife Han nah, both lived to old age, he 77, and she 74, without taking the measles, when they were both attacked with that disor der about the same time. He died February 23, and she March 9, of that year. 128 HISTORY OF SPENCER. EPIDEMIC DISEASES. The dysentery and scarlet fever, or canker rash, have each, at different periods, prevailed, and sometimes quite ex tensively, especially among children. In 1778, the dysen tery spread throughout a large part of the town. Many families lost more or less of their young children, frequent ly two or more within a few days of each other. A few in stances only can be given, which will be sufficient to show the ravages made in families by these disorders. This year (1778) two children of Capt. John Draper died, one on the twenty-fourth, and one the twenty-seventh of August. Mr. James Draper lost two, one the fourteenth and one the fifteenth day of September. 1792. The dysentery again prevailed. Maj. Isaac Lamb had two die, being all he had, one on the second and the other the fourth of December. 1795. The scarlet fever visited the town, and Maj. Lamb's family was again smitten, and once more two chil dren were stricken down, leaving him a second time lonely and childless. 1802. Another disastrous year by the dysentery. The family of Ezekiel Newton suffered most severely, losing five children in five days, two dying on the twelfth of Novem ber, one on the fifteenth, one the sixteenth and one the sev enteenth of the same month. 1841 was the memorable year of the dysentery, forty persons dying of this disorder, mostly in the central village, eight adults and thirty-two children, being emphatically a " slaughter of the innocents." " In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation and weep ing, and great mourning. Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they were not." A se vere drought continued through the warm season of the year, and except two or three showers in August, there was scarcely any rain for four months, that is, through the HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 129 months of June, July, August and September. The water in the wells failed, or became low, stagnant and impure, which was supposed to increase the virulence of the disorder. The first victim was a child who died the fifth of July, and the deaths continued to take place, averaging nearly one ev ery other day, until the first day of October, when the last, Mrs. Willard Rice, died. Death stalked fearfully in our midst, and on every side, and the scene became truly appall ing. But the destroying angel at length sheathed his sword. At the burial of Mrs. Rice, October third, a powerful storm of rain commenced, which soon became snow, and continued through the night and a considerable portion of the next day. This put a period to the disorder. No more were ta ken sick, and all the sick immediately recovered. In the summer of 1843, a severe influenza universally extended throughout the United States, visiting every fami ly and nearly every individual, leaving many in a poor state of health, and carrying away some aged people and others, who were in a feeble state. Mr. Caleb Sibley died of this disorder, in December of that year, aged 71. Consumption, the great destroyer of human life, formerly made havoc among our people, sometimes sweeping away whole families. Out of eight ehildren of Capt. Wilbur Watson, seven fell victims to consumption. Mr. Simeon Wood lost six out of eight children, by the same disease. Nathaniel Williams, having six or seven children, all but one died of consumption. A sad breach was often made in other families, and sometimes one or both parents were cut down. For the last quarter of a century, it has been much less prev alent, and few comparatively die of it. In conclusion of this subject, Spencer may be called a healthy town : many of the inhabitants live to old age. 12 130 HISTORY OF SPENCER. SLAVERY. It is true that slavery once existed in Massachusetts, but never by positive authority, but by force of circumstances. At the time our ancestors came to this country, it does not appear there was any law in England, either allowing or prohibiting slavery, consequently individuals could purchase and hold slaves, there or here, if they chose. The first set tlers at Plymouth and Massachusetts, were entirely opposed to it, but as there was no law against it, negroes, kidnapped from Africa, and Indians from South America and the West India Islands, were brought to our shores by unscrupulous traders, and sold to some of our people. This barbarous traffic being contrary to the principles and policy of the peo ple generally, soon arrested the attention of government, and as early as 1641, the General Court passed an act, wherein they say, " It is ordered by this court, that there shall never be any bond slavery, villanage or captivity among us," &c. Still, however, English ships, and possibly some of our own ships, continued this most odious traffic. And while this was done by the connivance, if not by the authority of England, Massachusetts was powerless to pre vent it. However, in 1666, the General Court passed an other act, as follows : " The General Court, conceiving them selves bound by the first opportunity, to bear witness against the heinous and crying sin of man stealing, as also to pre scribe such timely redress for what is past, and such a law for the future, as may sufficiently deter all others belonging to us, to have to do in such vile and most odious course, ab horred by all good men ;" and ordered all slaves thus brought here, to be sent back to Guinea. If this law was carried into rigid effect, it would, of course, effectually stop this vile course; but whether it did, or did not, slavery existed still, by those already here. At length, either by the unpopularity or unprofitableness HISTORY OF SPENCER. 131 of the business, or some other cause, many began to liberate their slaves, but having been so long under a state of sub jection, were become unfitted to provide for themselves, and they became a nuisance in society. And now the General Court found it expedient to reverse or change their course of legislation witli slavery, and in 1703, it was forbidden for any person to emancipate his slaves, unless he gave security for their support, should they become chargeable. Slavery iu Massachusetts, was of the mildest type of servitude, and the word slave was an offensive term, and they were gener ally called sirvants. They were but one grade below a hired laborer. The same roof sheltered the master and the ser vant, and both often fed at the same table, and they were intrusted with responsible transactions. Their marriages were not always executed in orthodox form, but sometimes took place, very much like their white brethren. We find it recorded in our town records, " February 19, 1778, Saul and Dinah, negro servants of John Sumner, Esq., were married." But few in Spencer were owners of this kind of property. Rev. Mr. Eaton held two or three, one named Pomp. John Sumner's Saul aud Dinah have been mentioned. John Elliot, Esq., had aman named Sloane, who is said to have planted the large elm now standing before the tavern house of William C. Watson. John White, senior, had a female slave, named Zilpah. By a sham marriage, Sloane and Zilpah wore allowed to cohabit together. Mr. Isaac Jenks had a man by the name of Hendrick. Rev. Mr. Pope had a female named Naomi. Mr. Robert Luther, a girl named Fanny. After emancipation was fully established, some continued voluntarily to remain with their former owners. 132 HISTORY OF SPENCER. REMARKABLE PHENOMENA OF NATURE. The following occurrences in the natural world are of a general nature, and took place more or less in every part of New England, and of course must have been seen and felt in this town, and they are inserted as interesting memoranda for local, as well as general history. GREAT SNOW. The winter of 1717, is remarkable for what was long after remembered as the " Great Snow." On the 20th of Febru ary, the snow commenced falling, and continued through the night. The next day, it increased to a most violent storm, so that all communication between neighbors was nearly impossible, and for some hours were unable even to pass across the street. On the 24th of the same month, was another furious snow storm, which, adding to the former, produced a most extraordinary and unprecedented amount of snow. The churches were blocked up, and no meetings were held throughout the country. Cattle, sheep and swine, were buried. Great numbers of cattle died, and some were found standing dead on their legs, as if alive, after the snow had melted away. One man lost above 1100 sheep ; two, however, were found alive, after being twenty-eight days under sixteen feet of snow, having fed upon the wool of their dead companions. Swine and poultry shared the same fate, a few being preserved in the same remarkable manner. Cattle were seen walking upon the frozen crust of snow, twelve feet above the ground, browsing upon the fruit trees. Small, low houses, were buried so deep, that the tops of their chimneys were not visible. I remember when a lad, hearing an old lady state, (who could remember the time), that in some cases, people in leaving their houses, were obliged to make their exit through the chamber windows. HISTOEY OF SPENCER. 133 EARTHQUAKES. October 29, 1729, in the evening, was the Great Earth quake, so called, being the most remarkable that ever hap pened in New England. In the county of Essex, the earth burst open in many places, from which were thrown large quantities of earth and stones, cellar walls fell in, and tops of chimneys were shaken off. November 18, 1755, another memorable earthquake in New England, though not so vio lent as the former, yet, in many places, stone walls were thrown down, and tops of chimneys shaken off. COLD WINTER. The winter of 1780, is remarkable for its severity. The snow was of great depth, accompanied with almost insup portable cold weather, so that for six weeks, while the sky was clear, and the sun shining in full splendor, was yet unable to thaw the snow in any degree, on the south side of dwelling houses. Roads were not broken out, and most of the intercourse among the people was by " snow shoes," or hand sleds, on the frozen crust of snow. The weather was so intensely cold, that some people were unable to get to their wood lots for fuel, and were obliged to cut down their fruit trees for that purpose. DARK DAY. May 19, 1780, was distinguished as the "dark day." In most parts of the country, where the darkness prevailed, it was so great, that persons were unable to read common print, determine the time of day by their clocks or watches, or manage their domestic business, without the help of addi tional light. Candles were lighted up in their houses, " the birds sung their evening songs, disappeared and became si lent ; fowls retired to their roosts ; the cocks were crowing 12* 134 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. around as at break of day ; objects could be distinguished but a little distance ; and every thing bore the appearance and gloom of night." The succeeding night was as propor- tionably dark as the day. No object could be discerned, even when coming in contact with it, and those who were so unfortunate as to be from home, were guided in their re turn to their dwellings, solely by the sense of feeling. SOLAR ECLIPSE. In June, 1806, there was a total eclipse of the sun. The sky was clear, and presented a fair opportunity for observing the phenomenon. At the total obscuration of the sun's disk, which continued about two minutes, all objects appear ed to be shrouded in dense gloom, causing a sensible depres sion of the spirits. Fowls, in many places, retired to their roosts, labor was suspended, nature, for a moment, seemed to have come to a pause, while all eyes were directed, stead fastly, to the sky. But the moment the moon emerged the least possible space from the face of the sun, permitting a single ray of light to reach the earth, the scene instantly changed, the grass and the flowers assumed their original hues, and all nature, by the contrast, seemed arrayed iu unusual beauty and splendor. HIGH WIND. September 25, 1815, this part of Massachusetts experi enced the most powerful wind that has yet occurred in the present century. It commenced late in the morning, and increased rapidly in violence, so that it soon became a com plete hurricane. Vast quantities of valuable wood and tim ber were prostrated, small buildings blown down, and others, in many cases, seriously wrecked. Indian corn and other vegetables levelled with the earth, fruits torn from the trees, and much damage done to the former. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 135 COLD SUMMERS. The whole of 1816, was an ungenial year, especially the summer, which was unusually cold, producing deadly frosts, even in July. There was scarcely one bushel of sound In dian corn raised in the town, and not half of the usual crop of grass. The prospects of a short supply of fodder for the coming winter being so imminent, that good milch cows were sold in the autumn, for eight dollars each. During the summer meagre famine began to stare the people in the face, but happily averted, by unusual good crops of English grain and potatoes. 1817 was likewise a cold year, but less in Massachusetts than the previous year. These cold seasons extended to the state of Maine, producing there al most a total failure, both years. GENERAL WASHINGTON. In 1 789, being the first year of General Washington's Presidency, he made a tour through Massachusetts, and some other of the eastern states, and October 22 of that year, he passed the night at Jenks' tavern. As but few knew of the coming event, consequently but few had the pleasure of seeing him. I remember the time very well, being then nearly twelve years of age, and I also remember hearing one of my neighbors, who saw him, give a descrip tion of his appearance, it being plain and unadorned, but venerable and dignified. The landlady, Mrs. Jenks, was often afterwards heard to relate, with harmless pride, the remark that the General made, the next morning at break fast, " Madam, your bread is very beautiful." 136 HISTORY OF SPENCER. COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE. During the agitations and struggles, previous to the rev olution, most of the public officers were found on the side of loyalty, supporting power and prerogative, and the people had withdrawn all confidence from them. As there were few post offices at that time, and the postmasters were gen erally tories, the correspondence of the whigs was subjected to a system of rigid espionage ; they had therefore, to seek for other than the usual channels of conveying the necessa ry information among the people. Boston was the head quarters of the opposition to the arbitrary measures of royal authority, and there most of the great plans were matured, and thence sent abroad among the people, the in fluence of which, like a mighty wind, moved the whole country. It became necessary that there should be some confidential persons appointed in every town, to whom such communications might be made with safety and effect. Hence originated the " Committees of Correspondence." They were composed of some of the most influential persons among the whigs. These officers were appointed in Boston and other large towns, in the earliest part of the political contest, but were not general, until about 1774. They be came a very important means of enlightening the public mind, of devising plans, of developing the physical resources of the country, and of finally carrying to maturity the events of the revolution. In many cases, they had concur rent jurisdiction with the selectmen of the towns. They were soon recognized by the legislature as of legal and official authority, and important duties were devolved upon them, by the General Court. They were, in fact, the directors and managers of the great political drama, which was in preparation for general action throughout the coun try, and we owe much to this little band of patriots, who spent many anxious days and nights, who freely contributed HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 137 their treasures, and many of them their blood, to effect and secure to themselves and their children the blessings of lib erty. They were elected in the several towns in the same manner as other municipal officers. The following are the names of the persons, who were chosen in this town, during the several years of the revolution. 1774. John Cunningham, Oliver Watson, Asa Baldwin. 1775. Oliver Watson, Moses Livermore, John Muzzy. 1776. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Joshua Dra per, David Prouty, Knight Sprague, Benjamin Gleason. 1777. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Knight Sprague, Joshua Draper, Benjamin Gleason. 1778. Joshua Lamb, John Muzzy, Joshua Barton, John Worster, John Watson. 1779. James Livermore, Benjamin Gleason, John Wor ster, John Muzzy, Jacob Upham. 1780. John Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, John Sumner, Ben jamin Bemis, Jonas Muzzy. 1781. John Sumner, Jonas Muzzy, Johnson Lynde, Jere miah Whittemore, Nathaniel T. Loring. 1782. Asa Baldwin, Jeremiah Whittemore, Capt. Ezekiel Newton. 1783. James Hathaway, Jonas Muzzy, Isaac Morgan. PROPERTY OF OUR ANCESTORS. By a culpable neglect on the part of some of our former town officers, the records of the valuation of the estates, and taxes of the inhabitants, have not been preserved until about the year 1800. Consequently, there are no data, by which a correct estimation may be formed of the wealth or relative amount of property of the inhabitants of Spencer during the last century. In 1771, the year previous to the erection of the present congregational meeting house, the following 138 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. method was taken in making disposition of the pews. He or she, whose real estate was placed the highest in the valu ation list, had the right for the first choice for a pew, at an appraised value, the second highest in valuation had the next choice, and in like manner until all the pews were thus disposed of. In this way the relative standing of sixty-eight of the largest landholders ninety years ago may be known. This, however, was not confined to resident proprietors of lawful age, but non-residents and minors had the same priv ilege. There were, however, some two or three persons be longing to the religious sect of the Baptists, — Jonas Bemis, senior, John Hill, and perhaps others, — whose real estates would have entitled them to a choice of pews, not included in the calculation. The following are the names of the sixty-eight persons referred to, numbered according to the relative value of their real estates. 1. John Elliot, Esqr. 2. John Sumner, Esq. 3. Oliver Watson. 4. Asa Baldwin. 5. William Bemis. 6. John Cunningham. 7. Jeremiah Whittemore. 8. Joshua Bemis. 9. Moses Livermore. 10. John White, jun. 11. John Prouty. 12. David Adams. 13. Joshua Lamb. 14. Josiah White. 15. John Lamb. 16. Joseph Greenwood. 17. Isaac Prouty. 18. Thomas White. 19. James Draper. 20. Joshua Draper. 21. Jacob Prouty. 22. John Watson. 23. John Ball. 24. John Worster. 25. Johnson Lynde. 26. Joseph Wilson. 27. Joshua Whitney. 28. Simeon Wilson. 29. William White. 30. John Bisco. 31. Thomas Canada (a minor.) 32. John Muzzy. 33. Nathaniel Bemis. 84. John Graham. 35. David Baldwin, jun. 36. David Lamb. 37. Nathaniel Cunningham. 38. John Stebbings. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 139 39. Samuel Garfield. 54. Jonathan Ward, (non-res- 40. Archibald Lamond's estate. ident.) 41. Samuel Hall. 55. Zebulon Baldwin. 42. Elizabeth Prouty, (widow 56. Isaac Southgate. of David Prouty.) 57. Israel Ball. 43. Ebenezer Mason. 58. Oliver Watson, jun. 44. Luke Converse. 59. David Prouty. 45. Benjamin Bemis, jun. 60. Phinehas Whitney. 46. Abijah Livermore. 61. John Knapp. 47. Benjamin Gleason. 62. David Barnes. 48. David Adams, jun. 63. John Wilson. 49. Joseph Livermore. 64. Lemuel Whitney. 50. Isaac Rice. 65. Joel Green. 51. Jonathan Snow. 66. Nath'l Parmenter's heirs. 52. Robert Morgan. 67. William Watson. 53. David Knapp. 68. Andrew Morgan. PHYSICIANS. James Oemes, son of John Ormes, was the first physician, if he may with propriety deserve that title, in Spencer, for he attended upon both the human and brute creation. He came from Watertown to Spencer in 1732. As there were but few inhabitants in the town at that time, and no other physician, he was made to physic and blister the people to their full content. Asa Burden, was from Scituate, Rhode Island. He studied his profession with Doct. John Honeywood of Leicester, who was an eminent physician. He was in practice here several years, but was quite as celebrated for his oddities and eccen tricities as for his skill in physic. About 1780 he returned to his native town, but afterwards removed_|to Charlton, where he died. William Frink was the son of Rev. Thomas Frink, first 140 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. minister of Rutland, where he was born December 14, 1742. He commenced practice in this town about 1770. He was an accomplished physician, well educated in his profession. He removed to Rutland 1780, where he died by a fall from a load of hay. Benjamin Drury was a native of Oxford, where he was born April, 1758. He studied his profession with Dr. Fiske of the same town. He commenced practice in Francistown, New Hampshire, but continued there but a short time, and came to Spencer 1782, and continued in his profession more than forty years. He died June 28, 1843, aged 85. Jonas Guilford was born in Spencer, August 25, 1759. He studied his profession with Dr. Babbit of Sturbridge, and commenced practice in his native town, 1783, and con tinued in practice twenty-six years. He died July 17, 1809, aged 50. Cheney Potter was from North Brookfield, and was a pupil of Doct. Jacob Kittredge of the same town, a cele brated surgeon and quite a popular physician. He com menced in this town about 1807, and continued several years. He returned to his native town, and has since de ceased. Asa Jones was a native of Charlton, was a student with Doct. Eaton of Dudley and Doct. Lamb of Charlton. He commenced practice in 1811, and continued for twenty years. He died October 22, 1831, aged 44. Jonas Guilford, son of Doct. Jonas Guilford, was born in Spencer, November 10, 1788. He studied his profession with Dr. Babbit of Brookfield, a distinguished surgeon and physician. He still remains in town, and continues in regu lar practice. Edward C. Dyer, formerly of Sturbridge, came into this town in the spring of 1845. He was a pupil of Dr. William S. Saunders of Sturbridge, — attended lectures in the New York city University, and also at Jefferson Medical College HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 141 at Philadelphia, where he graduated. He still continues in the practice of his profession. Edward M.Wheeler is a native of Massachusetts, and came to Spencer from the town of Paxton, first of January, 1854. He also still continues in the regular practice of his profession. Several other physicians have been in practice in Spencer, within the present century, from one to three or four years, viz., Jacob Kittredge, jun., John McClure, George S. Smith, John M. Smith, Jason- C. Spaulding, Reuben Spaulding, Joel Vaile, Jedediah Amidon, Luther Bugbee, Aaron Green and Joseph Blair. Some of these left the town by ill health, some for lack of patronage, and others by arrangements made with other physicians. LAWYERS. Six lawyers have each opened an office in this town, some for short and some for longer periods, viz : Bradford Sumner came into the town in 1813, but receiv ing proposals from Nathaniel P. Denny, Esq., of Leicester, he staid here but a few weeks, and became a partner with Mr. Denny in the firm of Denny and Sumner. After con tinuing a few years in Leicester he removed to Boston, where he became quite successful in his profession for several years. Deceased. John Davis was born in Northborough, graduated at Yale College, 1812, studied with Hon. Francis Blake of Worces ter, and established himself in Spencer in 1815. While here, his business was considerable, and his amiable deport ment and unassuming manners won the confidence of our people. Mr. Blake having been appointed clerk of the courts at Worcester, Mr. Davis removed to Worcester and took Mr. Blake's office, where he soon became an eminent practitioner and successful advocate at the bar. In 1824, he was chosen representative to Congress, for Worcester South District, and continued to represent that district for 13 142 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. ten years. In 1834, he was elected Governor of Massachu setts, and was reelected in 1835. The same year he was elected Senator to Congress, which he continued to hold for six years. In 1841, he was again reelected Govern or of Massachusetts, and again in 1842, and was again elected Senator to Congress. Deceased. William S. Andrews was born in Boston, and graduated at Harvard University, 1812. He studied law at thelaw school in Litchfield, Conn., and also, with Hon. Francis Blake. He opened an office in Spencer, 1816, soon after the removal of Mr. Davis. He continued less than two years, and then went to the state of Maine, but soon returned to Worcester, where he practiced law a short time, and retired to Boston, where he still continues, partially insane. Daniel Knight was born in Worcester, and graduated at Brown University, 1813. He studied law with Governor Lincoln, and commenced the practice of law in Spencer, 1817. He continued here until 1820, when he took a journey to South Carolina, for the restoration of his health, but with partial success. He removed to Leicester and opened an office in that town. After lingering for five or six years, part of which time he was able to attend to business, he died at Leicester, of consumption, August 16, 1826. Napoleon B. Smith was born in Windsor, Mass., and after practicing law for some time in Blackstone, came to Spen cer, in February, 1852. He continued here with considera ble success, especially the first year, and left Spencer in April, 1854, and removed to Aurora, in the state of Illinois, where he still remains. William T. Harlow was born in Shrewsbury, and was graduated at Yale College, 1851. He read law with the Hon. Benjamin F. Thomas, then a distinguished lawyer of Worcester, and since one of the Judges' of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts. Mr. Harlow came into this town in the spring of 1854, and still continues in his profession. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 143 GRADUATES OF COLLEGES. The following is a list of all who have graduated at any college, belonging to Spencer, and most of them natives of the town. H. V. Harvard University. D. C. Dartmouth College. B. U. Brown Uni versity. Y. C. Yale College. W. C. Williams College. A. C. Amherst College. Henry Bright, son of widow Sarah Bright, who was after wards married to Benjamin Bemis, senior, graduated H. U. 1770. Died of consumption, 1774. John Elliot, H. U. 1772. Was son of John Elliot, Esq. He commenced preaching, but proved a profligate character. In 1798, he was a private in the Oxford army. Deceased. Joshua Eaton, H. U., 1773, son of Rev. Joshua Eaton. He studied no profession. Removed to the state of New Hampshire. Deceased. Richard Roswell Elliot, H. U. 1774, was also son of John Elliot, Esq. Was minister at Watertown. Deceased. John Elliot Eaton, H. U. 1777, son of Rev. Joshua Eaton. Was a physician of some eminence in Dudley. Died 1812, aged 56. Nathan Muzzy, D. C, son of John Muzzy, jun., of this town, commenced preaching, soon abandoned it, taught schools, emigrated to the state of Ohio, and assumed the business of a mill-wright. Supposed to be dead. Abijah Bisco, D. C, 1798, son of John Bisco, Esq. Was a candidate for the ministry, and a promising young man. Preached but few times. Died 1801. Joseph Pope, son of the Rev. Joseph Pope, D. C, 1798. Removed to Portland, Maine, and opened an office for the practice of law in that city, where he continued about forty years. He read law with Hon. Pliny Merrick of Brookfield. Deceased. Nathan Guilford, son of Doct. Jonas Guilford, senior, Y. C. 1812. Was an attorney at law some years in Maine, and 144 HISTORY OF SPENCER. afterwards in Kentucky ; from there went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he officiated as chief director of the schools in that city, with signal success. Deceased. • William Watson, B. U. 1818. Was son of Oliver Watson, of this town. He studied no profession. Emigrated to South Carolina, as instructor of schools and teacher of music. Lately deceased. Warren Hobbs, son of Daniel Hobbs, H. U. 1822. Being out of health, made a voyage to Europe, and returned with improved health. Taught a school two years in Virginia, and some time in Tennessee. Was drowned from a steam boat in the Mississippi, July 11, 1826, aged 34. William Drake, Y. C. 1855, son of William Drake of Spencer. School teacher at this time. Levi Packard, A. C. son of Rev. Levi Packard. Precep tor of a select school, Chatham, New York. Edward Reed Wheeler, A. C. son of Doct. E. M. Wheeler of Spencer. Graduated 1860. Julius H. Ward, Y. C. 1860, son of Hammond Ward of Spencer. Besides. these, David Draper was a student at W. C. about two years, 1796 and 1797, and Dexter Bemis, at H. U. the same length of time. They were both dismissed by their own request. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Names. Date of commission. Names. Date of commission. John Elliot, 1762 Deceased. Walter Sibley, 1839 Deceased, John Muzzy, 1772 do. Daniel Capen, 1840 do. John Bisco, 1781 do. Phineas Jones, Bemoved to N. J. Benjamin Drury, 1789 do. Luther Hill, Jonas Bemis, 1809 do. Willard Bice, James Draper, 1810 Quorum Unus. William Upham, Frederick Howe, Deceased. George H. Livermore, William Pope, 1827 William T. Harlow, Walton Livermore, 1835 do. Eli J. Whittemore, William Baldwin, 1835 do. Eichard Sugden. HISTORY OF SPENCEE, 145 REPRESENTATIVES FOR EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS. Oliver Watson, 1775, 76, 77, 80* John Bisco, 1777, 80, 81. Not represented, 1778. John Muzzy, 1779. Isaac Jenks, 1782, 83, 84, 85. Not represented, 1786. James Hathaway, 1787, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93. Benjamin Drury, 1794, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800,01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10. Jonas Hussy, 1811, 12. Phineas Jones, 1812. James Draper, 1813, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 2S, 29, 30, 31, 36, 37. Not represented, 1819. William Bemis, 1820. Not represented, 1821. " 1822. Rufus Adams, 1823, 29, 32. Not represented, 1824. 1825. 1826. William Pope, 1827. Walton Livermore, 1831 .f David Prouty, 1833, 34. Lewis Bemis, 1834, 35. Amos Brown, 1835. Dennis Ward, 1836, 37, 39, 47, 56. Walter Sibley, 1838. Eleazer B. Draper, 1839,40, 41,45. Jonas Guilford, 1842. Jabez Green, 1843, 44, 50. Not represented, 1846. Milton Boyden, 1848. Not represented, 1849. William Baldwin, 1851. Alonzo Temple, 1852. Alanson Prouty, 1853. William Henshaw, 1854. Not represented, 1855. William Upham, 1857. Joseph A. Denny, 1858, of Lei cester.}: John L. Bush, 1859. John D. Coggswell, 1860, of Lei cester. George L. Hobbs, of Spencer, 1861, ° The constitution went into operation between the summer and winter sessions of 1780. John Muzzy was chosen in May, 17S0, and Ms office ex pired when the constitution became operative, and in October, John Bisco was chosen, whose term of office was to expire in May, 1781, at which time, he was again elected to serve until the next annual election. fin 1831, the constitution was so altered, that the political year com menced on the first Wednesday in January, instead of the last Wednesday in May, as formerly. Consequently the offices of those representatives chosen in May of that year, became vacated after the summer session of the legislature, and others were chosen on the second Monday in November follow ing, whose term of office commenced the next January. It will be observed therefore, that those representatives in the table, designated for the years 1832, 1S33, &c, were chosen in November the preceding year, but their term of office commenced the next January. J The towns of Leicester and Spencer now form one District, being Dis trict No. 13, for ehoosing representatives to the General Court. 13* 146 HISTOEY OP SPENCEE, SENATORS TO THE GENERAL COURT. James Draper, 1831, 1832. WiUiam Upham, 1859. DELEGATES FOR MAKING OR ALTERING THE CONSTITUTION. John Bisco, 1779. James Draper, 1820. Jabez Green, 1853. SELECTMEN, Since the incorporation of the town, including a period of 107 years, specifying ihe years in which they were elected. John Worcester, 1753, 55, 57, 58, John Prouty, 1766. 61, 62. John Cunningham, 1753, 54. John Muzzy, 1753, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 65, 70, 72, 74. James Wilson, 1753. Benjamin Johnson, 1753, 54, 55, 56, 63. John White, 1754. Asa Baldwin, 1754, 57, 59, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 71. Oliver Watson, 1755, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 75. John Newhall, 1755, 58. Joshua Lamb, 1756, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62, 70, 71, 72, 73. Samuel Bemis, juu. 1756, 57, 58, 60. David Adams, 1756, 70. James Draper, 1757, 63, 70, 71, 73. JohnPlagg, 1759, 60, Eleazer Ball, 1759. Edmund Bemis, 1759. James Ormes, 1760, 61, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, 76. John Eliot, 1762, 63, 64, 65, 66. William Bemis, 1764, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 77, 78. Moses Livermore, 1767, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76. John Bisco, 1773, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79,80,81,83. Benjamin Gleazen, 1775, 77, 80. David Prouty, 1775, 76, 80, 81, 82, 83, 87, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800. John White, jun. 1777, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83. Aaron Hunt, 1777, 78. Elijah Howe, 1778, 87, 88, 89, 91. William Frink, 1779. Isaac Jenks, 1779. Josiah White, 1779. John Stebbings, 1780, 81, 82, 83. William White, 1781, 82, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97. John Worster, 1782. David Lamb, 1783. John Muzzy, jun. 1784, 90. William Green, 1784, 85, 86. John Sumner, jun., 1784, 85, 86, 87, 88,89,90, 91,92. Benjamin Bemis, 1784, 85, 86. Oliver Watson, jun. 1784, 86, 88, 89. James Hathaway, 1785, 87. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 147 James Watson, 1785, 86, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08. Luke Converse, 1787, 88. Benjamin Drury, 1788, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03. Jonas Muzzy, 1790, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95,96,97,98,99,1800,01,02, 03, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13. Jonas Bemis, 1798, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08. David Bemis, 1801, 02, 03. Eliot Mason, 1804, 05, 06, 07. Moses Hall, 1804, 05. Nathan Crage, 1804, 06, 07, 08. Eeuben Whittemore, 1806, 07, 08, 09, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Edmund Muzzy, 1808. Phineas Jones, 1809, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16. Alpheus Demond, 1809, 10, 11, 12. Joshua Bemis, 1809, 14, 16, 17. Caleb Sibley, 1810, 11. Isaac Jenks, jun. 1811, 12, 13, 15, 16,17,18,19,20,21. David Livermore, jun. 1812, 19. Thomas Sprague, 1813, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20. William Bemis, 1814, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31. John Boydon, 1814, 15, 23. James Draper, 1816, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 29, 38. Zorobabel Baldwin, 1817, 18. Daniel Hobbs, 1819. David Prouty, 1820, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. Willard Eice, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 30, 32. Eufus Adams, 1822, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 46, 53. Elias Hall, 1823, 24, 25. Eli Prouty, 1824, 27, 28, 30, 32. Walton Livermore, 1826, 27, 28, 31. Jacob Wilson, 1826, 27. Oliver Morse, 1827, 28, 29. Joel Wright, 1829. William Baldwin, 1829, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 39, 42, 43, 44, 46, 49, 50, 51, Dennis Ward, 1831, 41, 47, 48. Augustus Eider, 1832. Josiah Green, 1832, 33, 34, 35. Thomas Pierce, 1833, 34, 35, 36, 38. Walter Sibley, 1835, 36. Artemas Prouty, 1836, 37. Daniel Capen, 1837. John Howland, 1837. Eli Jones, 1838, 39, 40. Jonas Guilford, 1838. Jabez Greene, 1838, 39, 40, 41, 46, 47. Eleazer B. Draper, 1839, 40, 41. Foster Bisco, 1839, 40, 41, 53, 54. John N. Prouty, 1840, 41, 42, 43, 44,45. Joshua Prouty, 1842, 43, 44, 45. Thomas B. Clark, 1842, 43. Eussel Sibley, 1842, 43, 44, 49, 50, 51. Edward Hall, 1844, 45. Jeremiah Grout, 1845. George L. Hobbs, 1845, 46, 47, 48. William Henshaw, 1846. Silas Eldridge, 1847, 48. Pliny Allen, 1847, 48. David Prouty, 1848, 49, 50, 51, 52. Harvy Prouty, 1849, 50. John L. Bush, 1849, 50, 51, 52. Alonzo Temple, 1851, 53, 55. 148 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE, George W. Morse, 1852. Justin Clark, 1852, 1859. Asahel B. Sprague, 1852. Hiram Howe, 1853, 54. Alanson Prouty, 1853. George Tucker, 1854, 55. Luther HiU, 1854, 1860. Charles E. Denny, 1855, 56. Joseph W. Morse, 1854, 55, 56, 57. Alford Wilson, 1855, 56, 57. Boswell Bisco, 1856, 57. Eli J. Whittemore, 1856, 57. Henry Belcher, 1857. Isaac Prouty, 1858, 59. Winthrop Livermore, 1858, 59. George H. Livermore, 1858. Thomas Clark, 1858. Elias Hall, 1858, 59. Joel Howe, 1859. Dexter Bullard, 1860. Nathaniel Myrick, 1860, Joshua Bemis, 1860. Josiah Green, jun. I860.* ASSESSORS. John Worster, 1753, 55, 68, 69, 72. John Cunningham, 1753, 54. John Muzzy, 1753, 54, 55, 58, 59, 64, 65, 66, 70. James Wilson, 1753. Benjamin Johnson, 1753, 54, 55. John White, 1754. Asa Baldwin, 1754, 56, 62, 66. Oliver Watson, 1755, 5G, 57, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 71, 78. John Newhall, 1755, 57. James Draper, 1756, 61, 62, 63, 67. Samuel Garfield, jun. J 757. Edmund Bemis, 1758, 59, 60, 61. James Ormes, 1758, 60. John Flagg, 1759. WilUam Bemis, 1763, 64. Joshua Draper, 1766, 71. John Bisco, 1767, 6S, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 02. David Lamb, 1768, 69. William White, 1771, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 83, 84, 86. Ebenezer Mason, 1770, 73, 74. David Lamb, jun., 1772. David Prouty, 1775, 76, 82, 83, 84, 86, 87, 89, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03. John Cunningham, jun. 1777, 81. James Sprague, 1778, 88, 91. John Parker, 1779. William Frink, 1779. Elijah Howe, 1779. John Worster, 1780, 82. Thomas Sprague, 1781, 82, 83, 84, 86, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 16. John Sumner, 1785, 87, 88, 89, 90, 94. Benjamin Bemis, 1785. John Muzzy, jun. 1785. Bobert Luther, 1787, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94. ° The following persons were chosen selectmen of Leicester, while resi ding there. BeDJamin Johnson, 1725, 1733, 1738, 1739, 1743. Samuel Capen, 1737, 1738. James Wilson, 1730. The following persons were selectmen of Leicester and Spencer, while re siding in Spencer. Benjamin Johnson, 1749. James Wilson, 1746, 1747, 1748, 1751. Samuel Garfield, 1745. Moses Smith, 1745, 1750, 1752, 1753. The two last named were never inhabitants of Leicester. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 149 Isaac Jenks, 1792. Jonas Bemis, 1793, 1815. Zorobabel Baldwin, 1795, 96, 1815, 22. William Bemis, 1801, 03, 04, 05, 06, 13, 21, 22, 27, 31, 32. James Draper, 1804, 05, 06, 07, 17, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52. Frederick Howe, 1807, OS, 09, 10, 11,12,13, 16,17, IS, 19, 20,21, 22, 26. Moses Hall, 1808, 09, 10, 14, 26. Silas Bemis, 1809, 13, 14. Elijah Howe, 1810, 11. Nathan N. Harding, 1811, 12. Bufus Adams, 1812, 15, 17, 18, 26, 44, 46, 54. David Draper, 1814, 15, 18, 19. John Boyden, 1819, 20, 21, 23, 24, 25. Jacob Wilson, 1820, 23, 24, 25, 30, 32, 37. Walter Sibley, 1827, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 40. William Baldwin, 1828, 36, 37, 38, 41,42,43,44, 46,47,48,49,50, 61. Walton Livermore, 1829. Jonas Guilford, 1830. Jeremiah Grout, 1833, 34, 35. Pliny Allen, 1836, 38, 39, 40, 53. Daniel Capen, 1837, 53. Dennis Ward, 1838. Lory Grout, 1839, 40. David Bemis, 1841, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 55, 66, 57, 58, 69, 60. Silas Eldridge, 1844, 45. George L. Hobbs, 1852, 59, 60. Alonzo Temple, 1853. William Henshaw, 1854. Henry Belcher, 1854. George H. Livermore, 1855, 56, 57. Francis Adams, jun., 1855, 56, 57. William Upham, 1858, 59. Asa T. Jones, 1858. Nathan Hersey, 1860. TOWN CLERKS. Benjamin Johnson, 1753. John Muzzy, 1764, 55, 56, 61, 62, 71, 72, 73, 74. Samuel Bemis, Jun., 1757, 68,59, 60. James Draper, 1763,64, 65, 67,68, 69, 70. John Elliot, 1766. John Bisco, 1775, 76, 77. William White, 1778. Ebenezer Mason, 1779, 80, 83, 84, 85. Benjamin Bemis, 1781, 82, 86. Benjamin Drury, 1787, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 16, 17, 18, 19. James Draper, 1813. David Draper, 1820, 21. William Pope, 1822, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29. Lewis Bemis, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41. Eleazer B. Draper, 1842, 43, 44, 45. Charles E. Denny, 1846, 47, 48, 49, 60, 51, 52. Edward C. Dyer, 1853, 54, 55, 56, 57, 68. Erastus Jones, 1859, 60. 150 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Benjamin Johnson, 1763, 54, 55, 56. Oliver Watson, 1757, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68. John White, Jun., 1769, 70, 71, 75. David Lamb, 1772, 73, 74. John Muzzy, Jun., 1776, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 86, 87. John Bisco, 1783, 84, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 1800, * 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07. John Sumner, 1788, 89. William White, 1808, 09. Elliot Mason, 1810. Nathan Crage, 1811, 12, 13. TOWN TREASURERS. James Draper, 1814, 15, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45. Joseph Mason, 1816, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Walton Livermore, 1822, 23, 24, 25. Lewis Bemis, 1826, 27, 28, 29. William Pope, 1830. Eli Jones, 1831, 32, 33, 34. Leonard Warren, 1844. Dennis Ward, 1846, 47, 48, 49, 50, 61, 52. William Henshaw, 1853, 54, 55. George H. Livermore, 1856, 57, 58, 59, 60. VOTES FOR GOVERNOR. > The first column indicates the year ; the second the suc cessful candidate ; the third the number of votes he received ; the fourth the opposition or unsuccessful candidate ; fifth, the number of votes he received. Scattering votes, if less than ten, are not noticed in this table. Date. Candidates. Totes. Candidates. Votes. 1780 John Hancock, 69 No opposition. 1781 John Hancock, 20 T. Cushing, 9 1782 John Hancock, 23 T. Cushing, 38 1783 John Hancock, 85 No opposition. 1784 John Hancock, 48 No opposition. 1785 James Bowdoin, N. Gorham, 34 1786 James Bowdoin, N. Gorham, 41 1787 John Hancock, 87 J. Bowdoin, 7 1788 John Hancock, 7.6 Elbridge Gerry, 7 1789 John Hancock, 72 J. Bowdoin, 1 1790 John Hancock, 67 No opposition. 1791 John Hancock, 71 " " 1792 John Hancock, 78 Samuel Phillips, 2 HISTOEY OF P E N C E E. 151 1793 John Hancock, 1794 Samuel Adams, 1795 Samuel Adams, 1796 Samuel Adams, 1797 Increase Sumner, 1798 Increase Sumner, 1799 Increase Sumner, 1800 Caleb Strong, 1801 Caleb Strong, 1802 Caleb Strong, 1803 Caleb Strong, 1804 Caleb Strong, 1805 Caleb Strong, 1806 Caleb Strong, 1807 James Sullivan, 1808 James Sullivan, 1809 Christopher Gore, 1810 Elbridge Gerry, 1811 Elbridge Gerry, 1812 Caleb Strong, 1813 Caleb Strong, 1814 Caleb Strong, 1815 Caleb Strong, 1816 John Brooks, 1817 John Brooks, 1818 John Brooks, 1819 John Brooks, 1820 John Brooks, 1821 John Brooks, 1822 John Brooks, 1823 William Eustis, 1824 William Eustis, 1825 Levi Lincoln, 1826 Levi Lincoln, 64 No opposition. 61 " 61 " " 75 Increase Sumner, 20 James Sullivan, Moses Gill, 30 James Sullivan, 43 William Heath, 8 Elbridge Gerry, 64 Elbridge Gerry, 100 Elbridge Gerry, 85 Elbridge Gerry, 106 James Sullivan, 109 James Sullivan, 88 James Sullivan, 91 Caleb Strong, 87 Christopher Gore, 108 Levi Lincoln, 125 Christopher Gore, 131 Christopher Gore, 115 Elbridge Gerry, 124 Joseph B. Varnum, 132 Samuel Dexter, 124 Samuel Dexter, 115 Samuel Dexter, 113 Henry Dearborn, 98 B. Crowningshield, 102 B. Crowningshield, 85 William Eustis, 97 William Eustis, 101 William Eustis, 105 Harrison Gray Otis, 117 Samuel Lathrop, 73 Marcus Morton, 31 James Lloyd, 2122 O O 28 81 8 20 6259 101 ,90 107 110 96 130118131124 106 95 78 82 7683 72 101 133 80 78 152 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 1827 Levi Lincoln, 72 Wm. C. Jarvis, 24 1828 Levi Lincoln, 73 Marcus Morton, o 1829 Levi Lincoln, 49 Marcus Morton, 18 1830 Levi Lincoln, 90 Marcus Morton, 58 1831 Levi Lincoln, 90 Marcus Morton, 37 1832 Levi Lincoln,0 80 Marcus Morton, 19 1833 Levi Lincoln, 140 Marcus Morton, 29 1834 John Davis, 162 Marcus Morton, 22 1835 John Davis, 189 Marcus Morton, 20 1836 Edward Everett, 94 Marcus Morton, 23 1837 Edward Everett, 147 Marcus Morton, 38 1838 Edward Everett, 164 Marcus Morton, 41 1839 Edward Everett, 152 Marcus Morton, 102 1840 Marcus Morton, 127 Edward Everett, 160 1841 John Davis, 196 Marcus Morton, 115 1842 John Davis, 170 Marcus Morton, 110 1843 John Davis, 188 Marcus Morton, 141 1844 George N. Briggs, 188 Marcus Morton, 153 ii Samuel E. Sewell, 12 1845 George N. Briggs, 218 George Bancroft, 155 ti Samuel E. Sewall, 14 1846 George N. Briggs, 183 Isaac Davis, 100 ti Samuel E. Sewall, 17 1847 George N. Briggs, 169 Isaac Davis, 103 ii S. E. Sewall, 18 1848 George N. Briggs, 179 Caleb Cushing, 105 n S. E. Sewall, 18 1849 George N. Briggs, 128 Caleb Cushing, 69 ii Stephen C. Phillips, 99 1850 George N. Briggs, 142 George S. Boutwell, 94 tt Stephen C. Phillips, 74 0 The political year having been altered in 1831, the votes indicated to have been given in 1832, and in the years afterwards, were given in No vember previous, as the term of office did not commence until the first Wednesday in the next January. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 153 1851 George S. Boutwell, 105 George N. Briggs, 147 U Stephen C. Phillips, 73 1852 George S. Boutwell, 149 Robert C. Winthrop, 204 ti John G. Palfrey 96 1853 John H. Clifford, 221 Henry W. Bishop, 140 « Horace Mann, 121 1854 Emory Washburn, 182 H. W. Bishop, 131 u Henry Wilson, 105 1855 Henry J. Gardner, 81 Emory Washburn, 110 tt Henry Wilson, 67 it H. W. Bishop, 46 1856 Henry J. Gardner, 47 Julius Rockwell, 140 Samuel H. Walley, 25 1857 Henry J. Gardner, 209 E. D. Beach, 52 u Josiah Quincy, 18 1858 Nathaniel P. Banks, 211 H. J, Gardner, 61 ti E. D. Beach, 27 1859 Nathaniel P. Banks , 196 E. D. Beach, 47 1860 Nathaniel P. Banks, 181 B. P. Butler, 52 tt George N. Briggs, 19 1861 John A. Andrew, 330 Erasmus D. Beach, 82 u Amos A. Lawrence, 14 DEATHS OF AGED PERSONS. The following is a list of the deaths of persons, being all that could be obtained, of the age of 80 years and upwards, with the date of their decease. Names. Age. Date, Names. Age. Date. Robert Cunningham, 89 1766 Martha Green, 84 1847 Archibald Lamond, 94 1771 Rebekah Prouty, 86 1847 Margaret Lamond, 89 1775 Mary Bemis, 85 1847 Elizabeth Ormes, 100fa 1785 Nathan Bemis, 83 1847 John Read, 88 1787 Hannah Bemis, 84 1847 John Cunningham, 89 14 1789 Olive Grout, 86 1848 154 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Jonathan Wood, Experience Ward, Lydia Clark, Knight Sprague, Asa Baldwin, Abigail Baldwin, John Muzzy, Ruth Converse, Thomas White, Asher Rice, Hannah Prouty, Grace Wilson, Oliver Watson, jun., Lovinia Wilson, Ruth' Jenks, Benjamin Green, Chloe Sprague, John Brewer, Jesse Bemis, David Bemis, Elizabeth Saddler, Robert Luther, Israel Allen, Daniel Hill, Levi Baldwin, Mary Hill, Hannah Rouso, James Snow, Mary Livermore, Andrew Morgan, Jesse Cutter, Olive Stebbings, Abigail Read, Lucretia Lamb, Lucy Bemis, Amasa Bemis, Lucy Watson, Benjamin Drury, 94 1796 91 1798 93 1800 93 1804 89 1811 94 1817 82 1819 83 1821 90 1822 89 1823 85 1827 80 1826 83 1826 86 1830 85 1833 80 1835 80 1835 84 1836 85 1836 81 1836 94 1828 91 1829 90 1833 93 1837 82 1837 87 1830 83 1838 82 1839 81 1841 81 1841 88 1841 96 1840 81 1842 88 1842 80 1842 85 1843 88 1843 85 1843 Lydia Guilford, Lydia Jones, Betsey Crage, Bathsheba Brown, Aaron Bannister, Frederick Howe, Elizabeth Stearns, Ruth Watson, Jonathan Grout, Elijah Hersey, Edmund Muzzy, Phineas Jones, Susannah Brewer, Lucy Hapgood, Abigail Crackbone, Paul Sibley, Dolly Hobbs, Fanny Bannister, Hannah Jones, Sarah Howe, Isaac Lamb, Ann Moore, Zenas Draper, Hannah Morse, Polly Haskins, Dolly Gleason, Edmund Newton, Reuben Prouty, Thankful Woodis, Anna Prouty, Elizabeth Watson, Abigail Woodard, Nathan White, Sarah Newhall, Anna Pope, Abigail Wilson, Abner Howland, Sarah Munroe, 88 1848 83 1848 84 1848 90 1848 84 1848 84 1848 88 1849 98 1849 86 1849 99 1850 86 1850 88 1850 82 1850 85 1851 87 1851 82 1852 85 1852 81 1852 84 1852 84 1852 88 1853 80 1853 80 1853 85 1853 89 1853 83 1853 90 1854 85 1856 89 1856 86 1855 88 1855 83 1855 84 1857 88 1858 04,72 1859 92 1859 90 1859 91 1859 HIS TOI l Y O F SPENCEE. 155 Tyler Marsh, 80 1843 Reuben Newhall, 89 1859 John Bigelow, 86 1843 Ruth Howland, 88 1860 Abigail Bowen, 85 1844 Jennison Barton, 86 1860 Ruth White, 80 1844 Samuel Bemis, 83 1776 Mehitable Cutter, 90 1844 John White, 84 1778 Nathan Prouty, 83 1844 Martha Read, 82 1791 William "Watson, 94 1844 Sibbillah White, 88 1794 Eunice Ryan, 81 1845 Oliver Seager, 83 1803 Asa Bowen, 85 1845 Oliver Watson, senior ,86 1804 Joseph Wheat, 89 1845 Edmund Bemis, 90 1810 Jonas Bemis, 85 1846 James Prouty, 83 1813 Lydia Rogers, 80 1846 Rebekah Bemis, 86 1819 Lucretia Woodward, 84 1846 John Stebbings, 88 1821 Daniel Hobbs, 80 1846 Martha Read, 2d, 85 1824 Ebenezer Mason, 85 1846 "William White, 82 1826 Deborah Capen, 83 1846 Elizabeth Pierce, 93 1827 Sarah Cunningham, 83 1847 REVOLUTIONARY PENSIONERS. The following are the names of some of the soldiers in the Revolutionary War, originally from this town, who have since received pensions from government, either personally or by their widows. Jesse Bemis, Amasa Bemis, Jonas Bemis, John Bigelow, James Bigelow, Samuel Baldwin, Levi Baldwin, Timothy Capen, Abijah Capen, James Capen, Gershom Comins, Joel Howe, Nathaniel Lamb, Andrew Morgan, Amos Munroe, Thomas Moor, Johnson Prouty, Joshua Prouty, Eli Prouty, Elijah Prouty, Elisha Prouty, Shadrach Peirce, 156 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Simeon Draper, Caleb Seager, Samuel Garfield, Benjamin Sumner, Joseph Garfield, James Watson, Samuel Guilford, Thomas White, Jesse Graham, Thaddeus White, Benjamin Hager, Joseph Wheat, Levi Hathaway, Sylvanus Gates. The following are the names of those revolutionary sol diers who went into the service from other towns, and, being since residents, have received pensions, either personally or by their widows : Elias Adams, Alvan Howe, Israel Allen, Phineas Jones, Rufus Bacon, Henry Rixford, John Clark, James Snow, Nathan Crage, Paul Wheelock, Elisha Harrington, Asa Humphrey. CASUALTIES. The following casualties to life and property, are all that I have been able to rescue from the oblivion to which many of them have been long consigned. April 15, 1785, Mr. Jacob Upham, who lived on the farm formerly owned by Josiah Green, and lately by Samuel Adams, was killed by a fall from his horse, in the great post road, a few rods west of the house of Deacon Oliver Watson, now owned by Mr. Ebenezer A. Howard, aged 56. 1797, Mr. Jonathan Moulton, aged about 21, was drowned in the mill pond of a Mr. Witt, a few rods west of North Brookfield line. He belonged to Spencer. September 1, 1798, Simeon Wood, son of Simeon Wood, aged 18, and William Snow, son of James Snow, aged 16, were both instantly killed at the raising of a barn, where Dwight Walker now lives, one side of the building having HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 157 been raised to a perpendicular position, and not having been properly secured, it fell back on the people. July 8, 1815, Horace Prouty, son of Mr. Joseph Prouty, aged 17, was drowned in the mill pond of Mr. Israel Allen, now owned by Mr. Otis Newhall. Valentine Hill drowned, June 5, 1831, aged 21. June 18, 1823, Mrs. Betsey Boynes, wife of Mr. William S. Boynes, was instantly killed by lightning, in the house now owned by William Henry ; she having an infant in her arms at the same time, who was but little injured, and is now living in this town. This is the only instance of this kind that ever happened in Spencer. February 25, 1837, the woolen factory of Amos Brown & Co. was destroyed by fire, being fully insured. 1839, the woolen factory of Chapin and Prouty, was mostly destroyed by fire. Insured. April 21, 1840, the powder mill of Bemis and Hall de stroyed by explosion, killing three men, viz,, Lyman Bul- lard, Abijah Bemis and Prancis Burrows. April 25, 1840, A large fire in the Central Village. The dwelling house and barn of David Gates, a large building, containing a carpenter, wheelwright and blacksmith shop, and a tannery of Samuel Barnes, were consumed. But a small insurance. October 13, 1840. Another powder mill of Bemis & Hall destroyed by explosion. No lives lost. Damage $2000. No insurance. May 1, 1843. A storm of rain, accompanied with a high wind, which blew over the steeple of the Congregational meeting house, and by a complete summerset was driven point-foremost through the roof and ceiling into the pews below, doing much damage. September 2, 1848, Capt. John N. Prouty of this town was instantly killed at the city of Worcester, by being run over by the Brattleboro' stage, aged 54. 14* 158 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. December 28, 1849. The large brick house of John Lud- den destroyed by fire. Partially insured. June 28, 1852. The barn of Col. William Livermore, with hay and other property, was burned by an incendiary. Partially insured. September, 1852. The cotton factory of William Hen shaw was burned. Insured. December 15, 1852. The factory of James Draper, occu pied by Eli J. Whittemore, was partially destroyed by fire. Insured. November 4, 1853. The powder mill of Lewis Bemis was destroyed by explosion, killing five men, viz., Richard Avis, Henry Avis, George Swallow, Richard Perkins, and McLaughlin. There have been eleven persons killed at the same place by explosions. August 2, 1S56. Two little sons of Mr. Charles C. C. Smith of Boston, viz., Charles A. Smith aged 12, and Osceola Smith aged 10, on a visit to their grandmother in Spencer, strayed away unknown to any person, and were both found drowned in Moose Pond in this town. December 5, 1856. The dwelling house of George Bemis, 2d, and all its contents of household furniture, wearing ap jsarel, provisions, books, and between $150 and $200 in money, burned at mid-day. Insured $2,000. July 21, 1858. Mr. Erastus L. Sanderson, was instantly killed in his sash and blind factory by the breaking of ma chinery, breaking his skull and scattering his brains, aged 38. 1859. The sash and blind, factory of Barnes and Mullett was destroyed by fire, with their tools and machinery. In sured #2,000. Besides the above, the barns of Elisha Prouty and John Wilson have been burned by lightning, and the dwelling houses of Richard Beers and Thomas L. Saddler have been destroyed by fire. Dates not obtained. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 159 GENEALOGIES, ETC. The following record of births, deaths, and marriages, though imperfect, has been obtained by much pains and labor. Some families, who have resided in this town for longer or shorter periods, and then finally left the town, leaving no posterity or any other vestiges that they were ever inhabitants of the town, have been omitted. The gen ealogies of some other families are here imperfect, as only imperfect records could be obtained. The foreign popula tion has been generally omitted, as their residence has been very recent, fluctuating and but few permanently settled. Adams David, from Medway in 1734, purchased part of lot 65. His children by his wife Abigail were, David, born February 10, 1744; Amos, February 15, 1746; Abigail, May 14, 1748 ; Christian, Nov. 26, 1750 ; Jemima, April 3, 1753 ; Lydia, October 26, 1755; Persis, October 24, 1757; Jonathan, May 27, 1761. Amos was married to Mary Lynde of Leicester, February 25, 1766, and removed to Brookfield. Christian to Ebenezer White of Charlton, Feb ruary 22, 1770 ; Jemima to Jude Adams of Brookfield, Au gust 29, 1771 ; Persis to Caleb Nichols of Leicester, June 13, 1780. His wife Abigail died March 22, 1801. Adams David, son of the above, was m. to Martha Mc Clure, March 1, 1770. He inherited the homestead. His children, David, b. July 26, 1772 ; Olive, October 16, 1774 ; Rufus, January 1784. Persis died young. His wife Mar tha died, and he was again m. to Hannah Bemis, April 3, 1793. Their only child Betsey, m. to Alpha Bemis. Mr. Adams died November 4, 1815, aged 72. Adams David, son of the above, was never married, d. May 5, 1848, aged 75. Adams Rufus, inherited the homestead, has been repre sentative, selectman, and assessor, and m. to Susannah 160 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Guilford, April 26, 1812 ; children, Adaline, b. Dec. 28 1813 ; Susan, Sept. 19, 1817. Adams Francis, m. to Dolly Newhall, June 15, 1806. Children, Mary, b. October 1800; Uriel, Sept. 10, 1808; Rebekah, March 12, 1811 ; Francis, Feb. 7, 1813. His wife Dolly died, and he was m. to Almira Snow, March 4, 1830. Their child, Adaline Newhall, b. October 16, 1831. Adams Francis, Jun., m. to Lucretia S. Dunbar, April 22, 1841. Children, Henry Francis, b. July 21, 1843 ; Lucre tia Maria, June 24, 1845; Ariel Heywood, Dec. 23, 1846; George Dunbar, Nov. 15, 1848; Charles Edward, March 6, 1851 ; Clary May, May 28, 1853 ; William Homer, July 17, 1855 ; John Muzzy, Sept. 26, 1857. Mr. Adams has been assessor and is now D. Sheriff. Allen Israel, from Shrewsbury, 17S3, settled on lot (13). This lot was an entire wilderness, and the only, re maining one in Spencer then in a state of nature. But by the industry of himself and sons, much of the forest soon disappeared : a house and barn were built, and soon after a saw and grist mill. Mr. Allen was a soldier of the revolu tion, and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. Children, Silas, Ivory, Jemima, Junia, Ashbel, born in Shrewsbury. Alvan, born in Spencer, January 1, 1787. His wife Thank ful died October 25, 1805, aged 60, and he was m. to Mrs. Sarah Bennett, 1807. She died 1818. He d. July 17, 1833, aged 90. The farm is now owned by his grandson, Pliny Allen. Allen Silas, son of the above, m. to Betsey Cunning ham, Oct. 20, 1791. Children, Susannah, b. Oct. 17, 1792 ; Nancy, March 9, 1795 ; Ethan, May 24, 1801 ; John, March 5, 1803. His wife died May 3, 1811, was m. to Phebe Knapp, Nov. 15, 1815 ; Silas, b. Feb. 14, 1817 ; Mr. Allen d. Jan. 11, 1834. Allen Ivory, m. to Susannah Cunningham, Nov. 11, HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 161 1800; Pliny, b. Oct. 14, 1802 ; Wilber, Oct. 17, 1805 ; Dar ius, July 30, 1807. Mr. Allen took the homestead, and d. July 26, 1836, aged 66. His wife d. January 7, 1832, aged 56. Allen Junia, m. to Lucy Newton, Oct. 10, 1804. Re moved to Maine. Allen Ashbel, m. to Eleanor Mixter of Hardwick. Children, Asa Mixter, b. Nov. 19, 1806 ; Liberty, Sept. 5, 1809 ; Daniel!' Aug. 21, 1811 ; Albert, March 14, 1814. Allen Alvan, m. to Mehitable Goodnow, Feb. 1800. Caroline, b. May 5, 1801 ; Oshea, Sept. 8, 1802 ;»Alvan, Jan. 6, 1815 ; David G. Feb. 27, 1816 ; Angelina, April 3, 1818. He d. Oct. 12, 1840, aged 56. Allen Pliny, s. of Ivory, m. to Sarah Barnes, 1828. He received the homestead ; has been an assessor. Children, Mary Alvira, b. Dec. 13, 1829 ; John Heyden, Jan 10, 1832 ; Clementine, Dec. 29, 1833 ; David Barnes, May 22, 1836 ; Theodore, May 23, 1838 ; Sarah B. June 17, 1839 ; George Eluna, June 13, 1844 ; Susan Ann, Oct. 13, 1847. Allen Wilber, m. to Emeline Lamb. Ellen Lavina, b. Feb. 28, 1845 ; Lauriston M. Dec. 20, 1847 ; Juliett Fran ces, March 30, 1852. Allen David, from Oxford Gore, 1735, settled on the north part of lot (61) now owned by Paul Sibley. He m. Esther Newhall of Leicester, July 10,4782. After her decease, m. Sarah Barton, June 6, 1751. Becoming infirm in bodily health, he gave an undivided half of his farm to his brother-in-law, John Newhall, in consideration of being supported through life. He died without issue. Bemis Samuel, came from Watertown, 1721, and was the second settler in Spencer. He was born 1688, was m. to Sarah Barnard of Sudbury. He was doubtless, a descendant of Joseph Bemis, who came from England to Watertown, in 1640, and was probably the ancestor of all who bear that name in this part of New England. He purchased 400 162 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. acres of the easterly part of lots (29) and (36). He com menced felling the ancient forest, which covered his farm, before he removed his family here. At that time the Indians had not all retired from this part of the country, and some of them frequently came into his cabin and tar ried with him through the night, but their presence was very offensive to him. In 1722, when his wife was about to give birth to her third son (William), fearing the Indians, she made a journey to Sudbury, for safety during that criti cal period, and when her little son was only two weeks old, she rode home on horseback, a distance of nearly fifty miles in one day, and carried her infant in her arms, although ' the greatest part of the distance the road, such as it was, passed through an entire wilderness ! He acquired a hand some estate, and built the first frame house in town, a build ing of two stories, which stood on the site of the present house of Mr. Robinson, and was taken down a few years since. His wife Sarah died September 30, 1756. His children were Samuel, b. May 1716 ; Edmund, Nov. 1, 1720; William, Nov. 1,-1722; Nathaniel, 1725; Sarah, Dec. 12, 1727 ; Joshua, July 14, 1729 ; Elizabeth, 1732 ; Jonas, March 25, 1737. The following is the inscription on his tomb stone. "In memory of Mr. Samuel Bemis, one of the first settlers of the town, who died August 1776, in his 84th year. " Where nothing dwelt but beasts of prey, Or men as fierce and wild as they, Our kind forefathers did repair, And built us towns and cities there." Samuel Bemis, son of Samuel Bemis, m. Rebekah New hall of Leicester, January 9, 1740. She died leaving no children. He was then m. to Mary Johnson, da. of Capt. Benjamin Johnson, Nov. 11, 1742. Children, Benjamin, b. January 18, 1744; Mary, Dec. 3, 1745 ; Rebekah, Jan. 2, 1747 ; Samuel, Sept. '18, 1749 ; Reuben, June 10, 1752 ; HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 163 Bulah, Sept. 26, 1754. His wife Mary d. Jan. 8, 1760. Again m. Mehitable Dunnell, by whom he had Lydia, b. May 10, 1761 ; Jonathan, April 9, 1765 ; Joel, Feb. 7, 1768; Judith, Aug. "27, 1769; Wait, June 20, 1772. In 1742, he purchased a part of lot (56,) where he built a house, on the hill north of Dexter Converse. He afterwards lived in various parts of the town, and died, August 15. 1793, in a house near the house of Paul Sibley, aged 77. His wife Mehitable d. Feb. 24, 1807. Bemis Benjamin, son of the above, m. Rebekah Draper, da. of James Draper, Nov.. 1, 1768. Mary, b. January 29, 1770; Mehitable, Nov. 12, 1772; Rebekah, Aug. 17, 1774; Martha, April 13, 1777 ; Reuben, Aug. 25, 1779 ; Benjamin, July 5, 1781 ; James Draper, July 1, 1783. Bemis Rebekah, d. of Samuel, jun., m. Allen Newhall, July 2, 1765. Mary m. Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield, April 21, 1763. Bemis Reuben, s. of Samuel jun., m. Abigail Smith of Charlton, December 26, 1776. Abigail, da. of Reuben, b. Oct. 29, 1777, and Abigail, the mother, d. same day. He again m. Sibilah Bemis, d. of William Bemis, Aug. 27, 1778. Jemima, b. Nov. 4, 1778. He d. Jan. 18, 1779, aged 26. Bemis Samuel, s. of Samuel jun., m. Anna . Children, John, b. Sept. 2, 1780; Anna, April 19, 1784; Adah, Feb. 11, 1786. Bemis Joel, m. Nancy Jenks, of Brookfield, April 17, 1791, and removed to Lyndon, Vermont. Bemis Judith, m. Jonas Bemis. Bemis Wait, m. Relief Ayres of Brookfield, January 1, 1795. Removed to Lyndon, Vt. Bemis Edmund, s. of Samuel, senior, m. Eunice Chadwick, of Western, (Warren) 1749. John, b. Sept. 3, 1749 ; Jo seph, Nov. 20, 1750 ; Susannah, May 3, 1752 ; Phineas, Oct. 7, 1754 ; Eleazer, May 24, 1756 ; Ruth, Dec. 29, 1757 ; Lydia, March 29, 1760. His wife Eunice d. April 13, 1761. 164 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Again m. Mrs. Smith of Charlton. He settled on a part of the homestead, but finally purchased lot (80) in 1769, where he died, Dec. 1810, aged 90, and where four of his grand children still remain. He was a lieutenant at the capture of Louisburgh in 1745, and captain in the expedition of Crown Point, 1755 and 1756. The following obituary notice appeared in the Mas sachusetts Spy, Dec. 26,1810: " Died in Spencer, Capt. Ed mund Bemis, aged 90. There are some things worthy of record in the life of this aged and war-worn veteran. His father was one of the first settlers of Spencer, having re moved from Sudbury about the time of the birth of this son, or about the year 1720. This son, Edmund, has been very remarkable for his habits of honesty, industry and tem perance, which produced a long life of health and happiness. He early entered into the service of his country, and was a lieutenant at the reduction of Louisburgh in the year 1745. At this siege he was a zealous and active officer. After the French had surrendered to the victorious arms of New Eng land, it was found they had spiked their cannon, intending thereby to render them entirely useless to the captors. It had been heretofore deemed an impracticable thing, after a gun was thus spiked, to drill it out, or by any other method whatever, to render it again fit for service. The command er of the American forces offered a premium to any one who would undertake the task, if he should prove successful. Lieut. Bemis undertook it, and by a process heretofore un- thought of, effected the desired object. Instead of drilling, as was supposed to be the only practicable method, he col lected a large quantity of wood around the cannon, and set ting it on fire, heated it to such a degree that, with a cold punch, the spike was easily driven into the barrel. Thus was he the author of a successful discovery to his country, which has ever since been followed with complete success. After the reduction of Louisburgh, he was a captain in the HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 165 war with France, which succeeded, at the close of which he returned home, to seek that repose among his friends, which he has since enjoyed without interruption." Bemis Joseph, s. of Edmund and his wife, Jemima, had Daniel, b. June 16, 1783 ; Polly, Feb. 22, 1785 ; William, Aug. 27, 1787 ; Patty, Jan. 27, 1790 ; Suky, June 23, 1793 ; Eleazer, Nov. 17, 1794 ; Sylvanus, June 18, 1796 ; Sally, Aug. 7, 1799 ; John, Dec. 1801 ; Franklin, February 1, 1803. He received the homestead. Died Jan. 17, 1823, aged 70. Bemis Lydia, da. of Edmund, m. Enoch Knapp, Nov. 28, 1782. Bemis William, s. of Samuel senior, m. Rebekah White, da. of John White senior, July 5, 1750. Their children, Jesse, b. June 3, 1751 ; Sarah, June 3, 1783 ; David, Oct. 21, 1755 ; Sibbilah, Feb. 2, 1758 ; Rebekah, March 12, 1761 ; Persis, January 10, 1764 ; William, Aug. 18, 1766 ; Silas, May 14, 1770. He was a captain in militia, an honest man, and acquired a handsome estate. He died March 23, 1801, aged 78. His wife Rebekah died March 17, 1819, aged 86. He purchased the east end of lot (15) in 1746. The farm now owned by the late Artemas May. Bemis Jesse, s. of the above, m. Hannah Bemis of Sut ton, May 26, 1791. He d. April 21, 1836, aged 85. She d. Dec. 8, 1847, aged 84. He left no children, and gave all his estate, after the decease of his wife, to his brothers and sisters, or their children. Bemis Sarah, da. of William, m. Jonathan Baldwin, Esq. of Templeton, Nov. 23, 1732. Bemis David, s. of William, m. Mary Lamb, Nov. 1, 1781. David, jun., b. Jan. 1, 1783 ; Polly, April 20, 1787 ; John, Jan. 13, 1790, Isaac, Dec. 17, 1792 ; Rebekah, March 16, 1795, William, May 7, 1797 ; Otis, Sept. 12, 1799 ; Lyman, Feb. 15, 1802 ; Austin, March 4, 1808. Otis d. June 11, 1838, aged 38; Lyman, d. Nov. 20, 1831, aged 15 166 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 29 ; Austin, d. Feb. 14, 1836, aged 28. Mr. Bemis settled on the east end of lot (17). He d. Oct. 13, 1836, aged 81. His wife d. Sept. 6, 1847, aged 85. Bemis David, s. of David, was a physician at East Hartford, Connecticut. Bemis Polly, m. Caleb M. Morse, Oct. 7, 1813. Bemis John, s. of David, m. Lucretia Brown of Paxton, May 18, 1818. John Emmons, b. Sept. 9, 1819 ; Clarissa Le land, b. April 26, 1822; Absalom Russell, Nov. 27, 1826; Emeline Arista, Feb. 3, 1830; David, Nov. 25, 1832. He received the homestead. Bemis Rebekah, da. of David, m. Otis Evans, Lyndon, Vt. April, 1849. Bemis William, s. of David, m. Matilda Prouty, d. of Eleazer Prouty, Dec. 8, 1831. George Lyman, b. Nov. 1, 1832 ; Ruth Eliza, Aug. 26, 1834. His wife Matilda d. May 6, 1837, aged 26. Again m. Mary Lamb of Charlton, Nov. 28, 1838. Henry William, b. July 19, 1839 ; Otis, b. Jan. 24, 1847. Mr. Bemis was farmer and carpenter, and lived on the central part of lot (17). Bemis William, s. of William senior, m. Lucretia Mirick of Princeton, 1802. Charles, b. Jan. 9, 1805, lives in Auburn, N. T. ; Dexter, b. Aug. 5, 1806, was a member of Harvard College two years, d. in state of Mississippi, 1843 ; Jesse, b. March 12, 1808, d. at Mobile, Alabama, 1849; Elizabeth, b. March 17, 1811, and d. Feb. 14, 1822; David, b. Aug. 3, 1812. His wife Lucretia d. Jan. 5, 1814; again m. Catharine Eveleth of Princeton, May 1814 ; Lucretia Mirick, b. May 12, 1815 ; William, Dec. 14, 1816 ; George, July 25, 1818 ; Horace, June 25, 1821 ; Edward, July 27, 1824 ; Harriet Elizabeth, Oct. 8, 1831. Mr. Bemis had been lieutenant in the militia, selectman, assessor and rep resentative, and d. Nov. 16, 1835, aged 69. He possessed a large real estate. Bemis Silas, s. of William senior, m. Betsey Hunt, da. of HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 167 Aaron Hunt, April 20, 1 797. John, b. April 9, 1798 ; Laura, March 27,1800; Horace, Dec. 30, 1801; Silas, Jan. 14, 1805 ; Lavinia, March 5, 1812 ; Elizabeth, July 12, 1814. Mr. Bemis was captain of a company in Spencer, and assessor. Removed to Barre, 1815. Died 1860, aged 90. Bemis Sibbilah, da. of WiUiam senior, m. Reuben Bemis, Aug. 27, 1778. Bemis Rebekah, da. of William senior, m. Eli Prouty, May 28, 1782. Bemis Persis, da. of William senior, m. Zorobabel Bald win, May 27, 1800. Bemis David, s. of William jun., m. Selah Barton, May 30, 1839. Harriet Newhall, b. March 3, 1840, died Sept 7, 1841 : William Mirick, Jan. 15, 1849. Mr. Bemis was assessor several years. Bemis George, s. of William jun., m. Emeline Warren. Charles Warren, b. Nov. 19, 1846; Emily Porter, Sept. 3, 1849 ; Henry Eveleth, Jan. 9, 1853 ; John Q., March 18, 1855. Bemis Nathaniel, s. of Samuel senior, m. Ruth Harring ton of Brookfield, Jan. 10, 1753. Hannah, b. May 23, 1753 ; Elizabeth, Oct. 1, 1755; Barnard, Nov. 2, 1757; Ruth, Aug. 13, 1758; Nathaniel, Aug. 29, 1760; Nathan, May 11, 1764 ; Betty, June 6, 1766 ; Moses, May 14, 1769. He received 100 acres of the homestead, where John Bemis 2d, now lives, d. January 1784, aged 61. His wife Ruth d. Aug. 21, 1817. Bemis Hannah, m. David Adams, April 3, 1793. Bemis Elizabeth, m. Joel Howe, Oct. 6, 1785. Bemis Barnard, m. Sarah Whittemore, Nov. 10, 1778. Bemis Ruth, m. Timothy Green, Aug. 25, 1774. (All the above four, children of Nath'l Bemis.) Bemis Nathaniel, s. of Nathaniel, m. Esther Converse, Oct. 23, 1791. Ruth, b. July 29, 1792, (died May 5, 1808.) Asaph, b. May 6, 1794; Nathaniel, June 5, 1796 ; Cephas, 168 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Oct. 11, 1800 ; William, May 4, 1802. His wife Esther, d. March 27, 1806. Again m. Betsey Guilford, May 7, 1816. Eliza b. August 2, 1816 ; George, Feb. 9, 1818 ; Moses, June 30, 1822. Mr. Bemis d. June 17, 1840, aged 80. His wife Betsey d. Sept. 5, 1855, aged 71. Bemis Nathan, s. of Nathaniel senior, m. Lucy Guilford, Aug. 26, 1788. Betsey, b. May 10, 1790 ; John, March 6, 1792; Lucy, Dec. 8, 1793; Cynthia, January 12, 1796; Tilley and Cheney, July 6, 1798 ; Nathan. Betsey m. Benjamin Baldwin, Lucy m. Asa Bemis, Cynthia, m. Levi Baldwin, jun. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead, and d. Nov. 12, 1847, aged 83. His wife Lucy d. Sept. 3, 1842, aged 80. Bemis John, s. of Nathan, m. Samson Kendrick of North Brookfield, 1821. Lyman Wilkinson, b. March 29, 1824 ; Thomas Kendrick, Dec. 5, 1826 ; Cynthia Augusta, Dec. 11, 1828. Mrs. Bemis, d. July 7, 1830. Again m. Cynthia Baxter, Sept. 21, 1832. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead. Bemis Cheney, s. of Nathan, m. Martha Howe, da. of Joel Howe, Nov. 27, 1822. Tilly, b. Oct. 1, 1820 ; Caroline, Oct. 1, 1823 ; Hiram, Oct. 30, 1830 : Martha Ann, June 3, 1835 ; Charles, May 5, 1837 ; Alvin, Oct. 16, 1839 ; Elvira, Feb. 21, 1842 ; Lucy, June 11, 1844 ; Ella Elvira, Nov. 25, 1850. Bemis Joshua, s. of Samuel senior, m. Sarah White, da. of John White senior, 1755. Martha, b. Oct. 15, 1755 ; Amasa, Oct. 10, 1757 ; Lucy, Oct. 22, 1760 ; Sarah, Feb. 10, 1763; Molly, May 5, 1765; Joshua, Oct. 21, 1768; Fanny, July 24, 1771 ; Elias, Dec. 23, 1773 ; Catharine, June 24, 1778; Esther, Nov. 14, 1780; Anna, Jan. 2, 1784. He received the homestead with 100 acres of land, where he died March 24, 1789, aged 59. Mrs. Bemis d. June 2, 1791, aged 54. Bemis Martha, da. of Joshua senior, m. Jonathan War ren of Leicester, Jan. 3, 1775. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 169 Bemis Amasa, s. of the above, m. Persis Bemis, Aug. 19, 1777. Benjamin, b. April 6, 1778. His wife Persis d. Nov. 9, 1795. Again m. Nancy Dunbar of Leicester, May 19, 1796. Charles, b. April 26, 1797 ; Amasa, Jan. 29, 1799 ; Persis, Jan. 19, 1801, (died April 14, 1814); Lucretia and Sarah, (twins) b. March 24, 1803 ; Danforth, June 24, 1805 ; Foster, Jan. 10, 1808 ; Dexter, Oct. 10, 1810. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead of his father and grand-father, d. Nov. 21, 1842, aged 85. His wife died in the state of Wisconsin. Bemis Charles, s. of Amasa, m. Laura Bemis, da. of Capt. Silas Bemis of Barre, 1820. Nancy b. October 4, 1821 ; Charles Horace, Oct. 6, 1823. Removed to Barre, had there Harriet, Ellen, Lucretia, John, James, Susan. He d. at Barre, 1842, aged 46. Widow and children removed to Campbelltown, N. T. He kept a public house in Spencer. Bemis Amasa, jun., m. Laura Pike of Brookfield, 1817. Persis N. b. Aug. 20, 1818 ; Chandler, Feb. 8, 1820 ; Jo shua, Feb. 2, 1822; Edwin A. Dec. 25, 1823; Lorenzo, Sept. 4, 1825. His wife Laura d. Feb. 21, 1829, aged 33. Again m. Sarah L. Pike, Dec. 28, 1829. Mr. Bemis was postmaster and kept the public house near the C. Meeting house. Died Feb. 20, 1831, aged 32. Persis m. Dexter Bullard. Bemis Danforth, m. Asenath Bemis. Edwin, b. Oct. 16, 1826 ; Augustus Franklin, Sept. 7, 1828 ; Amasa, Dec. 11, 1831 ; Oscar, Jan. 23, 1834 ; Louisa Maria, May 7, 1836 ; Amanda Elvira, April 30, 1838 ; Albert, March 15, 1840; Eleanor Adaline, July 9,. 1842. Mr. Bemis d. Dec. 1, 1852, aged 47. Bemis Chandler, s. of Amasa jun., m. Phebe Ann Clapp, July 5, 1844. Bemis Edwin A., s. of Amasa jun., m. Julia D. Bemis of Leicester. Ella Maria, b. Nov. 22,1850; Edgar Watson, Oct. 17, 1852; Walter Clarence, Aug. 30, 1854; Arthur 15* 170 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Chandler, Sept. 15, 1856 ; Harry Edwin, June 27, 1858. Bemis Lorenzo, s. of Amasa jun., m. Emeline Watson, da. of Charles Watson, May 15, 1849. Bemis Lucy, da. of Joshua senior, m. Ebenezer Goodenow of Dedham, Feb. 27. 1786. Bemis Sarah, da. of Joshua senior, m. Jesse Smith of Charlton, June 8, 1780. Bemis Molly, da. of Joshua senior, m. Sylvester Bemis of Brookfield, June 16, 1785. Bemis Joshua, s. of Joshua sepior, m. Phebe Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis, May 19, 1791. Joshua b. April 12, 1793 : Persis, Sept. 22, 1795 ; Lewis, Nov. 5, 1797 ; Sally, Jan. 23,1800 (died Dec. 16,1813); Elias, b. Dec. 23, 1802; Martin, Dec. 2, 1804. His wife Phebe died. Again m. to Chloe Dunbar, April 25, 1805. She died April 3, 1818'. He was again m. to Mrs. Lydia Prouty, widow of William Prouty, July 28, 1819. Chloe, b. April 1, 1820 ; Joshua, July 31, 1822. Mr. Bemis d. Sept. 18, 1835, aged 67. His farm was part of lot 58, formerly owned by Luke Converse, now by Hiram Howe. Mr. Bemis had been a selectman, and accumulated a handsome estate. Bemis Joshua, 3d, son of Joshua jun., m. Nancy Har rington of Brookfield, Nov. 1817. Phebe, b. Sept. 16, 1818 ; Prudence, Nov. 26, 1820. He died Feb. 3, 1822. Bemis Persis, da. of Joshua jun., m. Doct. Jonas Guilford, June 20, 1816. Bemis Lewis, son of Joshua jun., m. Maria Stearns of Worcester, 1824. Lewis Ward, b. Aug. 19, 1826 ; Eliza beth Stearns, Oct. 14, 1832 ; Frederick Augustus, Dec. 20, 1834 ; Janett, May 10, 1836. His wife Maria died. Again m. Dolly Ann Brigham of Northborough, 1842. Annie Hudson b. June 17, 1847 ; Emma Augusta, June 13, 1852, died 1860. Mr. Bemis died Nov. 8, 1856, aged 59. He was a merchant, farmer and manufacturer ; had been repre sentative, town clerk and town treasurer. HISTOEY OP SPENCEE. 171 Bemis Elias, son of Joshua jun., m. Elmira Marsh, da. of Tyler Marsh, Sept. 15,1825. Martin, born June 9, 1826; Sarah M. Feb. 25, 1828 ; Amasa, June 13, 1830 ; Angeline, Jan. 22, 1833; (died May 23, 1854, aged 21,) Maria A. July 31, 1835 ; Elias, July 22, 1837. Mr. Bemis inherited the homestead, died Dee. 11, 1844, aged 42. His wife El mira died Sept. 6, 1851, aged 48. Bemis Martin, s. of Joshua jun., married Pamela B. King of Oxford, Feb. 26, 1834. Henry b. Dec. 13, 1836 ; Edwin, . Mrs. Bemis d. He again m. to Lucy Garfield, Nov. 3, 1842. He d. August 7, 1847, aged 42. Bemis Joshua, the second Joshua of Joshua jun., m. to Elizabeth Adams of Brookfield. Harriet Eliza, b. June 15, 1844 ; Francis Amelia, Nov. 17, 1846 ; Braman Adams, March 28, 1849 ; , June 16, 1851 ; John Sandford, March 26, 1853. Bemis Jonas, s. of Samuel senior, m. Dolly Wood, da. of Nathaniel Wood of Brookfield. Obadiah b. Oct. 9, 1758 ; Jonas, June 29, 1760 ; Israel, Dec. 9, 1762 ; Asa, Dec. 16, 1764 ; Dolly, Oct. 9, 1766 ; Phebe, March 27, 1768 ; Sarah, Oct. 15, 1769 ; Elijah, Jan. 19, 1772 ; Molly, July 25, 1774 ; Hannah, Jan. 30, 1779. His farm was part of lot 60. He wa3 a soldier in the war with France 1756, and in the war of the revolution. He was very corpulent, weighing more than 400 lbs. He died May 7, 1790, aged 53. His wife Dolly d. June 26, 1814. Bemis Obadiah, d. June 20, 1781, unmarried. Bemis Jonas, jun., s. of Jonas senior, m. Judith Bemis, da. of Samuel Bemis, Jan. 1789. Catharine b. ; Alpha, March 1790 ; Asa, Jan. 2, 1792 ; Jonas, July 15, 1796 ; (died May 9, 1817 ;) Louisa b. . Mr. Bemis was a soldier during the war of the revolution, justice of the peace, select man, assessor, and captain in the militia. He possessed the homestead, d. March 25, 1846, aged 85. His wife d. July 31, 1841, aged 72. 172 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Bemis Catharine, da. of Jonas, m. Sardine Muzzy, July 13, 1806. Bemis Alpha, m. Betsey Adams, da. of David Adams, Dec. 7, 1817. Jonas, b. Oct. 2, 1818. Bemis Asa, s. of Jonas jun., m. Lucy Bemis, da. of Nathan Bemis, July 10, 1814. Maria b. Nov. 13, 1814 ; Nancy, Feb. 7, 1817; George Henry, June 12, 1819; Lewis, Oct. 9, 1821 ; Otis, Aug. 12, 1823 ; Edward Bemis Louisa, da. of Jonas jun., m. Winthrop Livermore. Bemis Fanny, da. of Joshua senior, m. Elijah Howe, jun., March 18, 1790. Bemis Elias, s. of Joshua senior, married Content Jenks of Brookfield, Jan. 16, 1794. Removed to Lyndon, Vermont. Bemis Catharine, da. of Joshua senior, m. James How land, Jan. 24, 1799. Bemis Esther, da. of Joshua senior, m. Joel Howe, Jan. 4, 1801. Bemis Anna, da. of Joshua senior, m. Abraham Capen, May 25, 1817. Bemis Sarah, da. of Jonas senior, m. Reuben Newhall, March 4, 1790. Bemis Hannah, da. of Jonas senior, m. Ezra Green. Bemis Sarah, da. of Samuel Bemis, senior, m. Daniel Lynde of Leicester, June 20, 1751. Bemis Elizabeth, da. of Samuel senior, m. Jonathan Moore of Worcester, July 10, 1755. The above numerous name of Bemis, being the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth generations, are all, with many others not here, inserted, descendants of Samuel Bemis, second settler in Spencer in 1720. Two of the third gener ation are yet living, Hannah Green, 82, and Esther Howe, .80. Bemis Amos, s. of Abijah Bemis of Paxton, had Edwin P. b. at Paxton, March 26, 1815 ; William Otis, b. at Leices ter, Jan. 1, 1819. His wife d. Again m. Huldah Tucker, da. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 173 of Ezekiel Tucker, June 28, 1830. Ruth, b. at Paxton, Sept. 4, 1821, (died Nov. 10, 1844, aged 23,) George A. b. at Spencer, Sept. 17, 1824 ; Amasa T. June 30, 1831 ; Hen ry H. May 13, 1833. Farm formerly owned by Ezekiel Tucker. Bemis Edwin P., s. of the above, m. Elizabeth F. Cheever, da. of Joseph Cheever, Dec. 5, 1844. Alston Otis, b. Sept. 30, 1849 ; Emma Elizabeth, March 28, 1851 ; Julia Henri etta, March 1, 1853 ; Edwin Cheever, Oct. 2, 1856. Bemis William 0., m. Julia A. Stebbins, Nov. 28, 1850. Madaline Matilda, b. March 17, 1856. Barton Joshua, originally from Oxford, from which place he came to Leicester, 1720. In 1737, he came to Spencer and settled on the north part of lot (67). He had several children by his wife Anna, viz. Joshua; Timothy, b. April 13, 1732; Nathan, July 23, 1734; Reuben, March 28, 1738. The farm now owned by Jonas Guilford, 2d. Barton Joshua, jun., m. Abigail Pratt of Framingham, 1750. Daniel, b. Aug. 25, 1751 ; Nathaniel, July 28, 1753 ; Margaret, Dec. 18, 1755 ; Reuben, April 28, 1758 ; Hannah, July 27, 1760; Tabitha, Oct. 21, 1763; Joshua, Oct. 9, 1766 ; Abia, Oct. 25, 1769. His farm is now owned by Silas Grout and others. Barnes David, from Leicester, settled on the southeast parts of lots (46) and (47) in 1766, now owned by Sullivan Hill and others. He ra. Rebekah Clarke, Dec. 23, 1762. Hannah, b. July 17, 1763 ; Lucy, Aug. 29, 1765 ; Rebekah, Sept. 10, 1767 ; Samuel, Dec. 27, 1769 ; Mary, Feb. 19, 1772 ; David, April 7, 1775 ; Sally, Nov. 5, 1777 ; (died April 24, 1792.) Patty, b. Aug. 2, 1781 ; Susan, Sept. 30, 1784. Mr. Barnes d. March 9, 1814. His wife d. May 10, 1797. He again m. Dolly Olds, Nov. 1803. Barnes Hannah, da. of the above, m. Simeon Perry of Fitzwilliam, N. H., April 23, 1783. Barnes Lucy, da. of David, m. Charles Deland of Brook field, April 17, 1794. 174 HISTOEYOFSPENCEE. Barnes Rebekah, m. David Jenks, July 26, 1789. Barnes Samuel, s. of David, m. Betsey Green, da. of Wil liam Green, May 15, 1797. Barnes Mary, da. of David, m. John Prouty, May 24, 1801. Barnes David, jun., m. Sarah Hall, da. of Samuel Hall, Dec. 31, 1801. Their only child on record is Bela, b. May 2, 1802. He d. Oct. 11, 1814, aged 39. Barnes Patty, da. of David senior, m. Phillip Deland of Brookfield, Nov. 23, 1802. Barnes Susan, m. Luther Pellet of Brookfield, March 14, 1811. Barnes Samuel, s. of David, jun., m. Caroline W. Morse, da. of Oliver Morse, Nov. 8, 1838. Amanda Maria, b. July 26, 1844. Baldwin Joseph, from Charlton, and settled on the west part of lot (53) in 1760. The ancestors of the name of Baldwin came from England at an early period. One named Joseph, grandfather to the above, settled in Maiden. The farm was owned by his grandson, William Baldwin, Esqr., lately deceased. Children of Joseph were, Joseph, Samuel, William, Levi and Zorobabel, born before he came to Spen cer, and Sarah, b. in Spencer, 1761. Mr. Baldwin d. June 3, 1790, aged 73. His wife Mary d. Jan. 7, 1795, aged 77. Baldwin Levi, s. of Joseph, m. Sarah Bemis, June 25, 1789. She died, and he m. Lydia Haven, Dec. 20, 1790. Simon, b. Dec. 9, 1792 ; Levi, May 13, 1798. Mr. Baldwin d. Feb. 25, 1837, aged 82. Baldwin Simon, s. of the above, m. Polly Comins, da. of Gershom Comins, Jan. 10, 1813. Mary, b. April 23, 1813 ; Rhoda, July 26, 1815 ; Lydia, May 17, 1817 ; Augus ta, Feb. 2, 1820 ; Lavinia, Aug. 16, 1822 ; Eliza, Nov. 16, 1824 ; Simon, May 5, 1827 ; Thomas Russell, Sept. 15, 1829. His wife d. Sept. 1, 1838. Again m. Nancy Sibley, da. of Paul Sibley, June 3, 1840. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 175 Baldwin Levi, s. of Levi, m. Cynthia Bemis, da. of Na than Bemis, Oct. 27, 1829. Charles, b. Nov. 9, .1830. Re moved to N. York. Baldwin Samuel, s. of Joseph, m. Elizabeth Livermore. August 19, 1790. She died. He again m. Huldah Hamil ton of Brookfield, Feb. 16, 1796. Zorobabel Baldwin m. Persis Bemis, da. of William Bemis, March 27, 1800. William, b. April 16, 1801 ; Lucy, April 23, 1803. His wife d. He again m. Hannah Grout, da. of Jonathan Grout, March 19, 1812. Mr. Baldwin d. Feb. 21, 1824. Baldwin William, s. ofthe above, m. Mary Howland, da. of Abner Howland, June 4, 1832. Mary Melinda, b. Aug. 28, 1837 ; John William, Sept. 2, 1839. Mr. Baldwin was justice of the peace, representative, selectman, assessor, and surveyor of land, inherited the farm of his father and grandfather, and d. Oct. 27, 1851, aged 50. Baldwin David was an early settler in Spencer. He was from Hingham, and came on to lot (72) and built the house now standing, where John Sprague now lives, about 1740. He was b. 1701, and d. about 1777. He was the architect of the present Congregational meeting house, which was raised June 9, 1772. His children were Abigail, Asa, David, Zeb ulon, Silence, Mary and Jonathan. Abigail was m. Elisha Cranson, July 24, 1746 ; David to Sibbilah White, da. of John White senior, June 9, 1763 ; Silence to John White, son of John senior, May 5, 1757 ; Mary to Daniel Bacon, August 3, 1758. Baldwin Asa, s. of David senior, was a gentleman of re spectability, was often chosen into town office, committee of correspondence, an officer in the war of the revolution, and major in the militia. He married Abigail White, widow of Henry White, March 7, 1750. He settled on the adjoining parts of lots 73 and 50, now owned by Asa B. Watson and Horace Rice. His children, Ruth, born April 8,1751 ; Chloe, 176 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Oct. 12, 1755; Olive, May 15, 1758; Lucy, July 10, 1760. Ruth m. Samuel Watson of Leicester, Jan. 28, 1773 ; Chloe to James Sprague, May 4, 1779 ; Olive to Peter Rice, Nov. 12, 1778 ; Lucy to Phineas Jones, Oct. 19, 1786. Baldwin Jonathan, s. of David senior, b. 1742, removed to Templeton, was a justice of the peace, and m. Sarah Bemis, da. of Capt. William Bemis, for his second wife, Nov. 23, 1782. Bisco John, Esq., from Cambridge, purchased the central part of lot 17 in 1763, where his grandson, Foster Bisco, now lives. Being a gentleman of good education, sound judgment, and unblemished moral character, he soon ac quired the confidence of his fellow townsmen, and was pro moted to the highest offices of honor and trust in their gift. He was either town clerk, selectman, assessor or treasurer, every year from 1767, to his death. Was representative to the General Court for 1777, 1780 and 1781, and a member of the convention for forming our State constitution in 1779. Was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Hancock, March 1, 1781, and deacon of the Congregational church, which office he held until his death. He was m. to Deborah Prouty, da. of Jacob Prouty, May 10, 1764. His children, John, b. May 29, 1765 ; Elizabeth, Oct. 9, 1767 ; Abijah, Feb. 7, 1770; Jacob, June 12, 1772; Abigail, July 25, 1777 ; Anna, March 8, 1780. His wife d. Feb. 22, 1795, aged 52 ; he again m. Mrs. Esther Moore of Worcester, No vember the same year. The following inscription is on his tombstone : " In memory of John Bisco, Esq., Who died March 15, 1808, aged 70 years. As a magistrate he was correct, faithful and impartial ; as a Christian, he was devout, pious, and exemplary ; as a man and a citizen, he was honest, dignified and patriotic. Come Christian, see a brother dying — See him yielding up his breath ; While firmly on his God relying, Quite disarms the sting of death." HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 177 John Bisco jun., died unmarried, May 3, 1812, aged 47. Elizabeth m. Enoch Mason, July 15, 1790: Abijah died unmarried, Oct. 3, 1801, aged 31. Jacob m. Sarah Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Jan. 1, 1799. Abigail m. to Da vid Prouty, jun., Nov. 7, 1799; Anna, m. George W. Har wood of Brookfield, Dec. 13, 1807. Bisco Jacob, m. Sarah Drape-. Dwight b. April 27, 1799 ; Chloe, Aug. 30, 1800 ; Adaline, Nov. 16, 1801 ; Foster, July 16, 1803; Emily, Sept. 10, 1804; Alden, Oct. 25, 1806; John, Oct. 9, 1808; Hull, Nov. 10, 1810; Roswell, April 16, 1813 ; Lavinia, Aug. 16, 1815 ; Jacob, Oct. 8, 1817. Mr. Bisco inherited the homestead, and d. April 7, 1837, aged 65. His wife Sarah d. May 27, 1855, aged 76. Chloe m. Spencer Prouty, Aug. 1818. Adaline m. Abi- athar Johnson, 1826. Foster to Eunice W. Rice of Wor cester, 1830. Emily to Liberty Prouty, April 10, 1827. Roswell to Abigail Whittemore, Ang. 9, 1838. Livinia to Reuben B. Hill of Leicester, May 10, 1839. Bisco Roswell, m. Abigail Whittemore da. of Daniel Whittemore. Aug. 9, 1838. Philander b. Aug. 24, 1840 ; (killed in a saw mill, Oct. 14, 1850, aged 10.) Hiram Roswell, May 30, 1845 ; Oct. 20, 1850. Ball Eleazeb, was born in Concord, 1698, where he mar ried his wife, Abigail. He removed to Rutland about 1719, having previously cleared a few acres and made some other improvements. Being one of the first settlers of Rutland, when the town was almost an entire wilderness, he was not only annoyed by the bear and wolf, but more seriously by the Indians. In the month of August in each of the years 1723 and 1724, the Indians made incursions into the town, killing three persons at each time, one of which was their minister, the Rev. Mr. Willard. In one of these incursions, deacon Ball received a wound in the arm by a musket ball. 16 178 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. He was deacon ofthe church in Rutland, selectman of the town, &c His children by his first wife were, Eleazer, b. 1728 ; Grace, 1730 ; Phineas, 1732 ; Abigail. 1735 ; Sa rah, 1737; Israel, 1739; Hannah, 1741. By his second wife Margaret, he had Mary, b. 1744 ; John, 1747. His first wife Abigail, died Oct. 9, 1741. He removed to Spencer ia 1758, and purchased the farm of deacon James Wilson. Eleazer and some other of his children remained in Rutland, but Israel, Hannah, Mary and John came to Spencer. Israel m. Persis Stone of Leicester, April 17, 1760 ; Hannah to David Prouty, Nov. 24," 1761 ; Mary to John Muzzy, Nov. 26, 1761; John to Bulah Whitney, April 14, 1765. He died March 29, 1765, aged 67. Some of the fourth, fifth, and sixth generations are living in Spencer. Ball Israel, s. of tlie above, had Levi, b. April 26, 1764 ; Ezra, Feb. 26, 1767 ; Tyler, Aug. 16, 1769 ; Persis, Feb. 17, 1772; Phebe, March 10, 1778; Rufus, March 31, 1781. Ball John, s. of Eleazer m. Bulah Whitney, 1765, be ing then only 18. His children, Daniel, b. Aug. 10, 1765 ; Eleazer, May 11, 1767; Sibbil, Sept. 19, 1768; Sarah, Oct. 6, 1771 ; Mehetable, July 24, 1773 ; John, June 25, 1775. He d. Sept. 4, 1775, aged 28. He lived where the remains of his cellar may be seen, about 40 rods north east of the house of Chandler Taft. Ball Daniel, from Brookfield, m. Elizabeth Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior. David b. April 19, 1772 ; Betsey, June 10, 1773; Sally, Oct. 22, 1774; Hannah, Feb. 22, 1778; Ebenezer, Dec. 14, 1779; Molly, Oct. 25, 1781; Daniel, Oct. 6, 1783 ; Charles, July 24, 1790. David m. Betsey Savage of Rutland, Jan. 1802 ; Betsey to Eli Muzzy, April 11, 1822; Sally to Isaac Muzzy, Aug. 6, 1797 ; Han nah to Artemas Pike of Paxton, Nov. 22, 1801 ; Molly to HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 179 Asa Sargent, Dec. 30, 1801. Mr. Ball lived on the place now owned by William G. Muzzy, where his family were born. He died Sept. 12, 1S22. His wife died June 1, 1818, aged 75. Bridge Thomas, came from Lexington in 1744, and pur chased the west part of lot (20) and built a house where Joshua Prouty now lives. He m. Mary Harrington of Brookfield, 1745. Thomas, b. 1746 ; George, 1748; Joseph, 1752; Amos, 1755; Mary, 1757; Millacent, 1761; Jesse, 1763 ; Esther, 1764. Mr. Bridge removed to Shutesbury in 1771. Thomas m. Elizabeth Jones, April 21, 1768. Bridges Caleb, s. of Caleb, m. Lucy Tucker of Leices ter, Nov. 14, 1764. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 25, 1765 ; Gideon, Nov. 6, 1767 ; Stephen, Feb. 21, 1770 ; Bathsheba, March 14, 1773; Esther, Jan. 24, 1777; Lucy, April 11, 1779; Mary, Nov. 11, 17S0 ; William, July 7, 1786. Bathsheba, m. John Pierce, May 25, 1794 ; Esther to Daniel Jenks of North Brookfield, Nov. 27, 1800 ; Mary, to Nathaniel Har wood of Windsor, July 16, 1801 ; Lucy to Daniel Beals of Windsor, Jan. 27, 1805 ; William to Cynthia Richmond of North Brookfield, May 1819. His son Gideon, b. 1829. Mr. William Bridges, d. Oct. 14, 1829, aged 43, and his only child, Gideon, d. four days after, aged 9. Mr. Bridges senior, owned the farm now belonging to Eli Hinds, and died there Aug. 6, 1812. His wife d. April 7, 1819. The children, except Gideon and William, all removed to Windsor, Mass. Brewer John, from Paxton, purchased and lived on the west part of lot (41), where his son Lyman now lives. He had by his wife Hannah a daughter named Hannah, b. March 5, 17 So. His wife d. March 25, 1785. He again m. Lydia Hayward of Holden, Dec. 15, 17S5. Mary, b. Oct. 2, 1786 ; John, Feb. 2, 1789 ; Willard, Jan. 18, 1793 ; Benjamin Hayward, Dec. 14, 1796 ; Lyman, April 12, 180 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 1802. His wife Lydia, d. April 28, 1813. He again m. Rachel Warren of Leicester, 1814. He died Jan. 5, 1836, aged 84. Hannah, m. Lewis Fales, June 23, 1807 ; Willard to Cynthia Hatch, da. of Thomas Hatch, 1815; Benjamin H. m. Melinda Livermore, da. of David Liver more senior, Oct 18, 1823. Brewer John, s. of the above, m. Mary Prouty, da. of Joshua Prouty, April 9, 1809. Lysander, b. Aug. 25, 1811 Lydia Cleora, May 5, 1813; Mary Ann, Jan. 25, 1815 Lucinda, July 8, 1817; Fanny Whittemore, June 29, 1819 John Dexter, Dec. 11, 1822; William Prouty, July 18, 1825 ; Hiram Horace, Aug. 4, 1828. Brewer Lyman, m. Rachel B. Howard of Warwick, Nov. 1833. Olive Jane and Oliver James, (twins) b. Sept. 16, 1834 ; Harvey Wilber, March 12, 1838. Beers Richard, m. Hannah Hooper, Feb. 4, 1762. Nathan, b. July 8, 1764 ; Sarah, May 2, 17G6. The births of his other children, Mary, Richard, John, Hannah and Samuel, not on record. Nathan, m. Betsey Southgate of Leicester and removed to Leicester. Sarah, m. Ebenezer Mason, and is now living at the age of 94 ; Mary, d. un married ; John, m. Sally Warren of Leicester, 1798. Beers Richard, s. of the above, m. Polly Howland, July 3, 1796. Betsey, b. July 7, 1799 ; Mindwell, Aug. 23, 1800. His wife Polly d. May 6, 1801 ; he again m. Dolly Wilson, da. of David Wilson, May 30, 1802. His wife Dolly, d. Sept. 28, 1803. He again m. Polly Sibley, Nov. 8, 804. Liberty, b. Dec. 6, 1805 ; Jefferson, (now Edward Beman) b. Feb. 29, 1808; Polly, Oct. 7, 1815. Mr. Beers d. at Charlton, Jan. 8, 1825, aged 50. Bennett Ezra, s. of Ezra Bennett senior, lived on land now owned by Selby Richardson, m. Betsey Burr of Ludlow, 1808. Samantha, b. April 6,1811; Cynthia C. b. May 4, 1812; Ezra, July 11, 1814; Harrison, Dec. 26, HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 181 1816 ; Horace P. March 11, 1819 ; Caroline, April 6, 1821 ; Joanna, April 27, 1823 ; Betsey. March 29, 1825 ; William B. May 31, 1829. He d. at Insane Hospital. Bennett Ezra, s. of tho above, m. Eluna Snow, da. of Eber Snow, Oct. 16, 1839 ; Clarence, b. Aug. 23, 1841. Bigelow Joseph, from Framingham, m. Sarah Stebbings, da. of Capt. John Stebbings, April 30, 1756. He purchas ed and settled on lot (43), in 1766, where William G. Muzzy now lives ; John, b. Aug. 24, 1757 ; Joseph, Dec. 6, 1759 ; Daniel, ; James, June 7, 1762; Jabez, March 17, 1764; William, July 1, 1768; Sarah, Oct. 3, 1770; Elizabeth, 1773. John, m. Persis Wright, da. of Edward Wright, and d. at Worcester, August 25, 1843. James m. Mary Graham, da. of John Graham, Dec. 18, 1783, re moved to Pennsylvania ; Elizabeth, m. Howe of Shrewsbury, and is now living at West Brookfield, at the age of 87. Mr. Bigelow was a man remarkable for his athletic feats and exploits of strength, though not a large man. He d. April 19, 1774, aged 39. Bigelow James S. s. of John Bigelow, m. Mehitable Lyon, da. of James Draper the 5th, Feb. 28, 1819. Julia Ann Draper, b. June 13, 1821, (lately deceased); Samuel B. b. Aug. 18, 1824 ; James E. May 12, 1826 ; Alfred, June 21, 1828 ; John H. July 12, 1829 ; Albert, Jan. 7, 1832. Baxter Ezekiel, m. Lydia Jenks, da. of Isaac Jenks, Dec. 5, 1790 ; John, b. Sept. 30, 1791 ; Isaac, Jan. 13, 1796; William, ; Cynthia, May 30. 1799. Isaac, m. Melissa Livermore, da. of David Livermore senior, May 1, 1823, (He died at Charlton, by a fall from their meeting house ; William, d. by suicide, Feb. 16, 1825) ; Cynthia, m. John Bemis, 2d, Sept. 21, 1832. Mr. Baxter was, a scientific carpenter, and was the architect of the old court house, Worcester, the meeting house, New Braintree, and 16* 182 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. many other churches and buildings. He d. July 6, 1836, aged 72. His wife d. Jan. 29, 1842, aged 71. Bosh William, originally from North Brookfield, m. Lucy Kendall of that town, March 14, 1803. Betsey, b. in N. Brookfield, Jan. 14, 1804 ; Lucy, b. in Dudley, Feb. 1, 1810; William, Sept. 19. 1813; Harvy, b. in Spencer, Feb. 4, 1819. Betsey, m. Amos Kittridge, March 8, 1826; Lucy, to Henry Watson ; William, to Laura Rice of Brook field, Oct. 15, 1840, now lives in Worcester. Harvy gone to South Carolina. Mr. Bush was farmer and blacksmith, lived where his widow now lives. His wife Lucy, d. March 1, 1837, aged 59. He again m. Mary R. Crossman, May 1837. He d. Dec. 9, 1846, aged 68. Bush John L, from North Brookfield, m. Eleanor P. Grout, da. of Capt. Jeremiah Grout, June 8, 1847. Ella Frances, b. May 19, 1848, (Died June 18, 1852). Clara, Maria, b. Oct. 14, 1851. Bollard Dexter, from Oakham, m. Persis N. Bemis, da. of Ainasa Bemis Jun., 1838. Amasa B. born March 7, 1839; Joel S., Nov. 10, 1840. His wife d. June 11, 1845, aged 26, — again m. Sophia Clapp, Jan. 1, 1846. Mary Persis, b. Sept. 19, 1846; George Louis, Aug. 22, 1854 ; Anna Sophia, June 2, 1856. Belcher Henry, m. Adaline Whittemore, da. of Daniel Whittemore, May 28, 1840. John Whittemore, b. Aug. 14, 1844; Herbert Benjamin, Dec. 11, 1846; Edwin Alonzo, June 23, 1849; Adaline Fanny, March 24, 1851; Frank Walter, March 8, 1854; William Henry, Aug. 23, 1855. Burden Asa, is noticed in another place, was a physician from Scituate, Rhode Island ; was m. to Deborah Howland of the same place, 1771. John b. 1776; Samuel, 1777; Elrenezer, Aug. 15, 1779, and was a physician in Charlton, now deceased. Docf. Burden lived at the place now owned by Joshua Sylvester. Died at Charlton. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 183 Boice Elliot, m. Sarah Cox of Leicester, 1821. Mary Lucretia, b. at West Springfield, Aug. 9, 1821 ; Sarah b. at Spencer, March 3, 1828 ; Elliot W., June 11, 1830. Clark Matthtas, settled on part of lot 23 in 1745 ; his house was situated on the east side of the road, about 30 rods south of the house of Washington Hill. He m. Lydia Eaton, sister of the Rev. Joshua Eaton. His children were Lydia, m. Oliver Seager, July 12, 1749 ; R.'bekah, m. David Barnes, Dec. 23, 1762 ; Anna to Joseph Gibbs of Brookfield, June 3, 1762 ; Sarah to David Lamb, Sept. 2, 1767 ; Mary to Daniel Hill, Sept. 28, 1769 ; Martha to Benjamin Sum ner, 1771. Solomon died a soldier in the revolutionary war. Mr. Clark died 1780. His wife died Aug. 1800, aged 93. Curtis John, s. of Jonathan Curtis of Roxbury, one of the original proprietors of the town, and settled on the south part of lot 67 in 1734, where John F. Guilford now lives. He resided there until 1759, when he removed to Charlton. He m. Mary Spear of Leicester, Dec. 12, 1772. Sarah b. Aug. 24, 1735; Abigail, May 3, 1742; Eliza beth, July 8, 1744 ; Rachel, Oct. 7, 1747 ; Thankful, Nov. 16, 1750; Jonathan, June 19, 1754; Rebekah, April 6, 1757. Sarah d. unmarried. Rachel m. Peter Bowen of Brookfield, June 6, 1788 ; Jonathan m. Dolly Wilson of Spencer, Jan. 15, 1778, since removed to State of Ohio. Cunningham Nathaniel, a wealthy merchant of Boston, purchased lots 24 and 36 containing 500 acres, and erected the large house owned by George Bemis 2d, lately destroyed by fire. This house was the third built on the great post road. Mr. Cunningham built two other houses on these lots, one near the house of Henry R. Green, and one on the land of Chandler Taft. These were called the East, West, and North Farms, inhabited by various tenants until 1760, when Mr. Jeremiah Whittemore purchased 200 acres of the eastern part, now owned by Joseph Green, Josiah Green jun., Paul Woolson, George Bemis 2d, and others. John 184 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. Elliot, Esq., purchased 300 acres of the western part, since owned by Ebenezer Mason, William Pope, Elisha Harring ton, and many others. Cunningham Robert, senior, settled on the south part of lot 18. His deed from Col. Joshua Lamb, one of the origi nal proprietors of the town, bears date Sept. 9, 1731. He was born in Ireland, 1677, and came to Boston 1717, where he lived till he came to this town. He had four sons, John, b. 1700, Hugh, Robert and James. He d. May 13, 1766, aged 89. Cunningham John, s. of the above, m. Ann Sinclair, da. of William Sinclair, March 22, 1739. He was a man of sound judgment, unimpeachable moral character, was often promoted to offices of honor and trust, and acquired a hand some estate, having added 500 acres, lots 10 and 14, to his paternal estate. He d. Feb. 9, 1789, aged 89. His children, Robert, b. March 25, 1740; John, Feb. 9, 1746 ; Jonathan and David, (twins) June 6, 1747; Nathaniel, March, 16, 1752 ; William, Nov. 15, 1754. His wife died Nov. 3, 1775, aged 63. Cunningham Robert, s. of the above, m. Martha Blair of Warren. He inherited the homestead. Ann, b. June 8, 1765 ; Elizabeth, Feb. 28, 1766 ; Simeon, April 14, 1767 ; Reuben, Jan. 5, 1769 ; Jonathan, March 6, 1771 ; Sarah, March 28, 1773 ; Susannah, Jan. 28, 1775; Nathaniel, — — ; Robert, ; John, . Cunningham Simeon, s. of the above, m. Miriam Brig ham of Marlborough, 1792. Eli b. Dec. 15, 1792 ; Patty, Feb. 24, 1795. Removed to Marlborough. Cunningham Reuben, s. of Robert jun., m. Anna Hunt of Marlborough, March 21, 1801. Pamela, b. Jan. 3, 1803 ; Asenath, Sept. 25, 1805 ; Robert, March 28, 1809 ; Reuben, ; Samuel H. . His wife d. May 28, 1818, and he m. Miranda Ayres of New Braintree, June, 1819. Mr. Cun ningham kept the homestead, and died Aug. 30, 1823, aged 55. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 185 Cunningham Jonathan, s. of Robert jun., m. Deliverance Earle of Paxton, 1798. Lyman b. San. 1, 1802 ; Elizabeth, June 2, 1805; Adaline, June, 1807; William, Sept. 20, 1803 ; Elliot' P. Dec. 4, 1809 ; Jonathan Earle, Nov. 19, 1811 ; Marmaduke Newhall, Oct. 15, 1813 ; Homer, April 27, 1816; Thomas, April 9, 1818; Winthrop Russell, May 5, 1820. He inherited part of the homestead, built the house near the Baptist meeting house, removed to South Leicester, and d. 1859, aged 88. Cunningham Elizabeth, (or Betsey,) da. of Robert, m. Silas Allen, Oct. 20, 1791. She died March 3, 1811. Cunningham Sarah, da. of Robert, ra. John Munroe, Jan. 26, 1804. Cunningham Susannah, m. Ivory Allen, Nov. 11, 1800. Cunningham Nathaniel, died unmarried, Sept. 25, 1836. Cunningham Ann, da. of Robert, died unmarried, Feb. 8, 1835, aged 70. Cunningham William, s. of John, m. Rebekah M'Farling of Worcester, June 4, 1778. Nancy b. Feb. 8, 1779, and m. Doct. John Frink of Rutland. Mr. Cunningham died June 23, 1779, aged 24. Cunningham Nathaniel, s. of Hugh, who was s. of Ro bert senior, m. Sarah Henderson of Rutland, Dec. 5, 1787. Sally, b. Sept. 17, 1788; Betsey, Dec. 22, 1789 ; Nathaniel, Sept. 20, 1791 ; Clarissa, April 14, 1793 ; Joseph, June 5, 1795; James, ; David, Dec. 5, 1800; Patty, Feb. 7, 1803; Sophia, Nov. 7, 1804; Lewis, Feb. 20, 1806; Au gusta Elvira, Nov. 16, 1809. He d. Jan. 29, 1829, aged 83. She d. April 14, 1847, aged 83. Crosby Rev. Stephen, from Thompson, Conn. 1819, m. Julia Cowles of Farmington, Conn. 1822. Their only child, Mary Cowles, born May 30, 1823. Cole Joshua, and Amanda H. his wife, had Mary Ann, b. March 10, 1838 ; Lucinda Hinds, March 23, 1841 ; William Ezra, July 27, 1842. 186 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. Comins or Cummings Gershom, from Leicester, m. Rhoda Newton, from Spencer, Oct. 10, 1781. Betsey, b. Oct. 20, 1782; Abigail, Jan. 31, 1785 ; Sally, May 16, 1787 ; Lucy, Oct. 22, 1791 ; Polly, June 5, 1794; Roxy, Nov. 5, 1796; John, April 27, 1799 ; Jefferson, July 13, 1801 ; Lyman, April 4, 1804. Betsey, m. William Taylor of Worcester, June 12,1804; Sally, to Stephen Stone, Aug. 24,1825; Lucy, to Daniel Capen, May, 1814. Mr. Cummings was a soldier in the war of the revolution, was on guard at the execution of Maj. Andre. He removed from Spencer to Leverett. He was a TJ. S. pensioner. Capen Samuel, came from Dorchester to Leicester, about 1733, from thence to Spencer, and purchased lot (19) in 1838, now owned by Nathaniel Green and Elliot Hall. This lot he sold to John Lamb, 1751, and purchased part of lot (48) now owned by Elias Hall. About 1760, he removed to Belchertown, where he died. He was parish clerk from 1747 to 1753, and assessor several years, and is said to have been celebrated as a mathematician. His children by his wife Deborah, were Ann, b. Nov. 11, 1724 ; Timothy, 1726, James, . These b. in Dorchester. While in Leicester, Samuel, b. March 17, 1734 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 14, 1835 ; John, May 1, 1737 ; Hannah, May 22, 1739. While in Spencer, Edmond, b. July 16, 1740; Phebe, Jan. 6, 1842; Samuel, 2d, Aug. 29, 1743 ; Purchase, Sept. 25, 1746. Ann, m. Jacob Prouty. Capen Timothy, s. of the above, purchased part of lot (48) in 1750, now owned by A-bner Smith. He m. Mary Merrit of Leicester, April 2, 1751. Timothy, b. Aug. 8, 1752; Elizabeth, Oct. 10, 1754; Mary, June 1, 1756; Hannah, Nov. 2, 1758 ; Abijah, Sept. 23, 1762 ; Deborah, Jan. 14, 1764 ; Patience, May 3, 1766. Mr. Capen d. 1804, aged 78. His wife Mary d. March 31, 1814. Capen James, s. of Samuel, m. Elizabeth Prouty, Nov. 28, 1758. He commenced with his father on part of lot HISTOEY OF SPENCEK. 1ST (48) in 1751. In 1763, he purchased, and hnilt a honse on part of lot (17) now owned hy Mis. Mary Lucy Bemis. His children, Lydia, b. Aug. 16, 1759 ; Rath, March 1, 1761 : James, Aug. 3, 1762. His wife d. and he m. Sarah Sawin, Dec. 30, 1762, by whom he had three daughters. He d June 14, 1807. Capen James, s. of James, m. Susannah Drury of Brook field, May 5, 1785. Sybbil, b. July 17, 1785 ; Abraham, Jan. 21, 17SS; James, July 26, 1793; Edmund, Jan. 19, 1796 : Hiram, Dec 1, 1799 ; WiUiam, May 26, 1802. Mr. Capen was a soldier in tbe revolution and a captain of a company in the militia. Farm now owned by bis son Wil liam. Capes Abraham, s. of James, jun., m. PoUy Hinds of North Brookfield, 1814. She d. April 22, 1815. He again m. Anna Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, senior, May 25, 1817. Alford, b. June 24, 1818 : Amelia, Aug. 31, 1820 ; Alonzo, March 31, 1822 : Anna, March 24, 1824. His wife Anna d. May 21, 1824. He again m. Lydia Mason, da. of Ebenezer Mason, March 3, 182-5. Abraham, b. Nov. 20, 182-5 ; Mary Eliza, June 23, 1827 ; Ebenezer, Not. 6, 1830 : James, May 9, 1832 ; Susan Maria, Feb. 7, 1837. Mr. Capen d. May o, 1S4S, aged 60. His wife Lydia d. April 10, 1855, aged 57. Capen William, s. of James, jun.. m. Eliza Green, da. of Ezra and Hannah Green, April 30, 1835. William Edwin, b. Aug. 17, 1837 : Hemry Oscar, Aug. 5, 183? : Ruth Eliza, April 14, 184-3 : EUen Maria, June 3, 1846 : Minerva Erring, April 29, 184S. Cranson Ifr-reiTA, settled on the east end of lot (50) in 1748. He was m. to Abigail Baldwin, da. of David Bald win, senior, July 24, 1746. The farm was formerly owned by James Sprague, now by George L. Hobbs. His children, Samuel, b. Feb. 20, 174S : David, June SO, 1750; Elisha, Feb. 19, 1752 ; Frederick, Feb. 20, 1754 ; Ebenezer, Jan. 19, 1756; Ebzabeth, Feb 19, 1758; Asa, March 16, 1760; 188 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Abner, Feb. 19, 1763. David m. Bathsheba Briggs, Dec. 20, 1770; Elizabeth, Samuel Guilford. Mr. Cranson has one grandchild in this town, viz : Roxa, wife of James Kenney, da. of Samuel Guilford. Mr. Cranson removed to Ashfield, where he d. in 1804, aged 84. Converse Luke, from Charlton, settled on the northeast erly part of lot (58), where he built a saw and gristmill, now owned by Hiram Howe. He was b. in Leicester, Oct. 6, 1734, and m. Ruth Lamb, da. Jonathan Lamb, jun., June 6, 1759. Lydia, b. Feb. 10, 1760 ; Jude, May 17, 1762 ; Ruth, Oct, 31,1764; Patience, March 24, 1767; Reuben, April 25, 1769 ; Esther, Nov. 20, 1771 ; Asaph, April 22, 1774 ; Tamar, Aug. 29, 1776; Uriah, March 13, 1779. He removed to Leicester where he d. June 10, 1810, aged 76. His wife died in Spencer, Jan. 9, 1821, aged 83. Jude m. Lydia Bemis, da. of Samuel Bemis, jun., Dec. 10, 1782 ; Patience, to Nathan Prouty, Sept. 30,1784 ; Ruth to Jonathan White, Nov. 30, 1786 ; Reuben to Pamelia Stevens, Dec. 18, 1788 ; Esther to Nathaniel Bemis, Oct. 23, 1791 ; Tamar to Dan iel Adams, April 13, 1795 ; Uriah to Esther Lackey, May 12, 1799. Converse Reuben, s. of tbe above, m. Pamela Stevens, Dec. 18, 1788. Anna.b. May 16, 1789; Windsor, April 14, 1791; Terzia, Jan. 14,1793; Luke, Oct. 14, 1794; Otis, Dec. 4, 1796 ; Cynthia, Sept. 3, 1799 ; Pamela, 1802. Mr. Converse removed to Leicester, where he died. Cutter Jedidiah, came from North Brookfield, purchased the farm formerly owned by Capt. Benjamin Johnson, now by Lewis Hill, the house now standing built in 1747. Sarah, b. April 18, 1785 ; Eunice, April 4, 1790; Lucy, May 21, 1797. His wife Lucy d. Feb. 20, 1809. Again m. Lucinda Muzzy, da. of John Muzzy, Oct. 19, 1809. She d. Dec. 9, 1812. He d. Jan. 17, 1813. Sally, m. Joshua Munroe, Oct. 17, 1805, and d. March 15, 1818 ; Eunice m. William Tucker, May 16, 1810, d. Aug. 24, 1815 ; Lucy, m. Asaph Prouty, Sept. 25, 1817, and d. Feb. 20, 1823. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 189 Crage Nathan, from Leicester in 1783, was b. in that town June 11, 1754. He m. Sarah Choate of Leicester. Polly, b. Sept. 1, 1786; Sally, Feb. 4, 1788; (Died Sept. 26, 1795.) Nathan, b. May 8, 1795. His wife d. Sept. 13, 1804. Again m. Mrs. Betsey Whitmore of Rutland, Jan. 1806. Polly m. Samuel Watson, jun., of Leicester, Oct. 10, 1811 ; he d. and she m. to another Samuel Watson of Leices ter, now deceased. Nathan m. Dulcina Huntington of Spen cer, April 21, 1836. Mr. Crage died at the house of his son in Leicester, April 6, 1852, aged nearly 98. At the completion of his 21st year, in June, 1775, he entered as a private, into the company commanded by Capt. Seth Washburn (after wards Col. Washburn) at Leicester, and was one of the heroes who fought at the memorable battle of Bunker Hill. He was a non-commissioned officer afterwards in three other campaigns, one of which, in the year 1777, was at the sur render of Gen. Burgoyne. In 1781, he received a lieuten ant's commission, and in that capacity served a tour at New port, R. I. For the last twenty-one years of his life he re ceived a handsome pension, as a part compensation for his services. In the latter part of his days he became somewhat infirm and partially deprived of his sight and hearing, but his mental faculties were but very little impaired, and he could relate most of the occurrences of importance which took place during his various campaigns, and tell the names of all the commissioned officers with whom he served. For the last sixty-nine years of his life, and until a few weeks of hisdeath.he has been an inhabitant of Spencer, in which town he has often served as selectman, town treasurer, &c. He was a patriot in every sense of the word, not only as a soldier on the field of battle, but as a citizen in civil life. He treasured up in his capacious memory, with much interest, the most promi nent political events of our country, and nearly to the close of his life, after his sight had failed him, had one of his kind neighbors como in and read to him the passing events 17 190 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. of the day. But the brightest trait in his character is yet to be mentioned, which is, that he was conscientiously and inflexibly an honest man — " the noblest work of God." It is believed, that throughout his whole life, comprising almost a century, he was never charged with the commission of an immoral action. As he lived, so he died, without an enemy. Clark John, from Stoughton, purchased and lived on the farm now owned by William G. Muzzy, and m. Keziah Smith of Stoughton, April, 1793. Salome, b. Sept. 7, 1795 ; Abigail and Mary, (twins) b. Sept, 14, 1797 ; Luther, Aug. 6, 1799 ; Nathan, Nov. 27, 1801 ; John, Sept. 7, 1804. His wife d. Oct. 3, 1820, he again m. Elizabeth Prouty, widow of Elisha Prouty. Salome, m. Reuben Whittemore, 1819. Clark Thomas B., m. Martha Green, da. of Benjamin Green, Feb. 15, 1838. Lucia Averline, b. March 15, 1839. Clark Justin, m. Cynthia W. Lamb, da. of Austin Lamb, March 31, 1842. Justina Cynthia, b. Oct. 3, 1855. Clapp Daniel, m. Mary Ann Lathe of Charlton. George Bucklin, b. May 10, 1836; Edwin Carlos, Feb. 20, 1841, d. April 24, 1854, aged 13. Draper James. The family of Draper trace their ances try to Thomas Draper, who was born and died in Yorkshire, England, in the Parish of Hempstontell, and Vicarage of Halifax, and was by trade a clothier. He had six children, viz : Thomas, John, William, James, Mary and Martha, who all died in England, except James. He was born in 1618, and came to Roxbury, Massachusetts, but at what time is uncertain, but probably between 1640 and 1650, as the name of one of the proprietors of the town of Lancaster, 1654, was James Draper, and as no other person of that name is known to have been in this country at that time, he undoubtedly was the person. He was married to Miriam Standsfield, who came from the same place in England, some time after her husband, by whom he had five sons, HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 191 viz : James, John, Moses, Daniel and Jonathan. He died in July, 1691, aged 77. James, s. of James, b. in Roxbury, 1654, and m. Abigail Whitney, by whom he had also five sons, born in Roxbury, viz: Nathaniel, William, James, Gideon and Ebenezer. The second James Draper d. April 30, 1698, aged 44, and his wife Abigail d. October 25, 1721, aged 59. Draper James 3d, was b. about 1694, and m. Rachel Aldrich, who died early, leaving no children. He again m. Abigail, Nov. 12, 1719. He lived in Dedham, had a cap tain's commission, and had by his last wife twelve children. The names of the four oldest were James, b. Sept. 22, 1720 ; Abigail, Dec. 12, 1721 ; John, June 16, 1723 ; Joshua, Dec. 25, 1724, who all came to Spencer. John came 1744, but his health failing, he returned and d. at Dedham, Nov. 8, 1745. Abigail came to Spencer previously, having been m. to Henry White, a notice of whom is given in this work. James and Joshua settled on lots (33 and 34) having been purchased by their father in 1736. James Draper 3d, d. April, 1768. His wife Abigail having d. Nov. 12, 1767, just forty-eight years from the date of their marriage. Draper James 4th, m. Mehetable Whiting of Dedham, Nov. 12, 1742. Rebekah, b. May 2, 1743 ; John, Nov. 16, 1745 ; James, July 24, 1747 ; Ira, Feb. 14, 1753 ; Meheta ble, Aug. 29, 1756. Rebekah, in. Benjamin Bemis s. of Samuel Bemis jun. Nov. 17, 1768. Mehetable, m. Noah Forbush of Brookfield, Nov. 9, 1779. His wife died July 18, 1763, he again m. Mrs. Martha Ward, widow of William Ward jun. of Southborough. He inherited the east parts of lots (33 and 34) now owned by Amos Kittredge. He d. March 2, 1781, aged 61. His wife Martha, d. Sept. 1791. Draper John, s. of the above, m. Rebekah Muzzy, da. of Deacon John Muzzy, Dec. 24, 1770. Zenas b. May 31, 1772 ; Olive, Jan. 30, 1774 ; Sally, August 8, 1779 ; Chloe, ; Nancy, Oct. 28, 1783 ; Becca, April 10, 1786 ; John, 192 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. July 22, 1788 ; Rhoda, July 10, 1791 ; Eleazer Bradshaw, Aug. 26, 1795. Draper Zenas, s. of John, m. Jemima Allen, da, of Israel Allen. Alpha b. Dec. 13, 1797 ; Julia, Nov. 12, 1800 ; Lura, Nov. 19, 1802; Roxana, Dec. 28, 1804; William Allen, Dec. 28, 1806; Edwin, Jan. 20, 1809; Eliza, April 5, 1811 ; Nancy, May 5, 1813 ; Rebekah, May 6, 1815. He d. Jan. 9, 1853, aged 80. His wife died Jan. 18, 1846, aged 73. Draper Olive, da. of John, m. Elias Hatch, Nov. 10, 1791. Draper Sally, da. of John, m. Jacob Bisco, 1799. Draper Chloe, da. of John, m. Thomas Loring, Sept. 28, 1803. Draper Nancy, da. of John, m. Samuel Gleazen, Feb. 3,1811. Draper Becca, da. of John, m. Willard Prouty, Jan. 18, 1817. Draper John, s. of John, m. Lavinia Prouty, da. of Eli Prouty, Dec. 4, 1817. Draper Rhoda, da. of John, m. Ebenezer Cogswell, 1817. Draper Eleazer Bradshaw, s. of John, m. Louisa Prouty, da. of Reuben Prouty, May 15, 1821. Albert Manly, b. July 3, 1822 ; Mary Lucena, June, 1825 ; Dwight D. June 22,1828; Chloe L. Sept. 9, 1829; John, Aug. 21,1831; George L., Aug. 9, 1833 ; Lorenzo, Nov. 21, 1838. Albert M. m. Clarinda Watson, 1746 ; Mary L. m. William L. Powers ; Dwight D., m. Lydia Ann Howland, 1849 ; Chloe L. m. Benjamin F. Cheever, 1849. Mr. Draper had been representative to the General Court, town clerk and post master, kept the Jenks tavern, and died Feb. 21, 1849, aged 53. Capt. John Draper d. Dec. 20, 1822, aged 77. His wife Rebekah d. April 29, 1818, aged 68. Draper James 5th, son of James 4th, m. Mary Prouty, HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 193 da. of David Prouty senior, May 31, 1769. David b. July 3, 1770 ; Betsey, Feb. 19, 1772 ; James, Feb. 26, 1778 ; Ira, April 1, 1781 ; Martha, March 10, 1783 ; Mary and Sarah (twins) b. June 7, 1785 ; Mehetable, April, 1788. Mr. Draper had the homestead now owned by Amos Kittredge. Draper David, s. of James 5th, m. Matilda Moore, July 7, 1799. Harriet, b. June 5, 1802 ; Charlott, Dec. 28, 1805 ; Angeline, Sept. 14, 1814. Mr. Draper had been assessor, town clerk and deputy sheriff. He died April 30, 1845, aged 75. His wife died Aug. 24, 1854, aged 76. Draper James, s. of James 5th, m. Lucy Watson, da. of Capt. Samuel Watson of Leicester, June 6, 1805. Emeline b. April 6, 1806 ; Julia Ann, June 22, 1808 ; Sophia Amelia May 4> 1811; Lucy Watson, Dec. 17, 1813. Emeline m. William Rice, s. of Peter Rice, June 21, 1830; Julia Ann m. J. 'Ellis Lazell, July 12, 1832. He d., she again m. Chandler Mason Pratt of Grafton, May 12, 1840 ; Sophia A. m. Moores Mirick White, Sept. 24, 1838 ; Lucy W. m. Emory Rider, Dec. 25, 1837. Lucy, the wife of James Draper 6th, d. July 7, 1848, aged 65. Draper Ira, s. of James 5th, m. Sarah Hammond from Oakham, Dec. 27, 1801. Fidelia b. Sept. 9, 1802; Elijah Hammond, Jan. 10, 1804; Octavia, Oct. 8, 1807 ; Sarah C. Zpril 12, 1812; James P. Aug. 21, 1814; Aurelia, Aug. 14, 1818. Draper Betsey, m. Joseph Prouty, May 19, 1791. Dec. 27,1801. Draper Martha, m. Joseph Wilson. Draper Mary, m. Pliny Muzzy, Oct. 11, 1811. Draper Sarah, m. Stephen Gates, March 14, 1813. Draper Mehetable, m. Charles Ly6n, May 1, 1808 ; again, to James S. Bigelow, Feb. 28, 1819. Draper Joshua, s. of James 3d, m. Abigail Fairbanks. Joshua b. May 14, 1749; Sarah, March, 19, 1751; Samuel, May 8, 1752 ; Abigail, May 2, 1756. His wife died Feb. 17* 194 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 17, 1762, he again m. Mrs. Sarah Wright of Brookfield. Asa, b. March 11, 1763 ; Simeon, March 29, 1765 ; Ira, Feb. 18, 1767 ; Joel, June 18, 1769 ; William, Dec. 9, 1771. Sarah m. Jonas Muzzy, May 2, 1771 ; Abigail d. unmarried. Draper Asa, s. of Joshua, m. Ruth Whittemore, July 7, 1785. Their only child on record while living in Spencer is Clarissa, b. July 8, 1786. Draper Simeon, s. of Joshua, m. Polly Bemis, da. of Col. Benjamin Bemis, Aug. 24, 1786. He was a soldier in the war of the revolution and received a pension. Removed to Brookfield, kept a public house, was justice of the peace, representative to the General Court, delegate to amend the Constitution in 1820, selectman, &c. His children while in Spencer, Abigail, b. ; Betsey, Sept. 6, 1788 ; Henry, June 10, 1790 ; Lorenzo, ; Horace . While in Brookfield, Sophia, Mary, Ann, William, Simeon, Joshua, Theodore, Sedgwick. He d. Dec. 1848, aged 84. Drury Ebenezer, had by his wife Mary, Ebenezer, b. March 6, 1764; Eli, June 4, 1766; John, Nov. 6, 1768; William, March 7, 1773 ; Molly, Aug. 8, 1776. He died April 5, 1815. His wife died Sept. 20, 1803. The farm now owned by his grandson, Adams Drury. Drury Ebenezer, s. of Ebenezer, lived where Simon Baldwin now lives, afterwards removed to Charlton. Drury Adams, s. of the above, had by his wife Ellathury, Silena, b. Jan. 1, 1816 ; Dexter, Feb. 12, 1818. His wife d. Aug. 27, 1818, and he m. Persis Ward of Charlton, 1820. Ellathury, b. Feb. 27, 1821 ; Melissa Ward, March 22, 1822 ; David Adams, Nov. 29, 1824 ; His wife Persis d. April 2, 1826, and he m. Sally Mason, da. of Ebenezer Mason, Oct. 14, 1830. Drury Benjamin, Esq., a notice of whom has been given in another place. He was born in Oxford, April, 1758, and m. Elizabeth Larned of the same town. Came into Spencer 1782, resided where Daniel Clapp now lives, afterwards HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 195 where Col. A. Temple lives. Jeremiah b. Dec. 9, 1783 ; Benjamin, March 5, 1786 ; Elizabeth, April 12, 1789 ; Mary, Sept. 8, 1791 ; Ruth, Nov. 18, 1793 ; Varney, March 15, 1797 ; Luke, April 18, 1800. His wife d. July 5, 1820. He d. June 28, 1843, aged 85. Besides practising as a physician, he was elected represen tative to the General Court seventeen years in succession, a selectman sixteen years in succession, and town clerk suc cessively, with the exception of one year, thirty-three years. He was also a justice of the peace, and besides much other official business, he joined together, for better or worse, more than two hundred couples in the bonds of matrimony. Drury Jeremiah, s. of the above, m. Betsey Fletcher of Townsend, Vt., March, 1807. Adaline b. Feb. 7, 1808; Lucius Augustus, May 25, 1810, (died Oct. 15, 1820 ;) Mary Amelia, April 19, 1813 ; Samuel Fletcher, June 7, 1816 ; Lucretia, April 2, 1819. Mr. Drury studied and practised physic some time with his father, and d. Aug. 18, 1841, aged 58. Drury Benjamin, jun., m. Anna Prouty, da. of Isaac Prouty, Dec. 1, 1811. John b. April 10, 1812; Marshall, Feb. 3, 1815 ; Elizabeth Ann, June 22, 1816 ; Ann, Feb. 9, 1818. Elizabeth Drury m. Eli Jones, Nov. 3, 1816 ; Mary Drury m. Windsor Hatch, Jan. 29, 1817 ; Ruth Drury m. Henry Nims, Feb. 2, 1817. Varney Drury d. Dec. 23, 1827, aged 30. Luke Drury d. Nov. 11, 1822, aged 22. Drake William, s. of Elisha Drake, m. Sally Hare of N. Brookfield, Nov. 1816. Mary b. July 10, 1817 ; Samuel, Feb. 6, 1819 ; Merriam, Jan. 27, 1821 ; Clementine, April 13, 1825 ; William ; Lucinda . Drake Elisha, s. of Elisha, m. Betsey White, da. of Jon athan White, June 19, 1823. Jeremiah b. Aug. 12, 1824; Ruth, Oct. 11, 1825. Dyer Edward G, (noticed in another place,) m. Sarah W. Taylor, da. of deacon Samuel Taylor of Worcester, May 196 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 26, 1846. Edward Samuel b. April 1, 1849, (died Aug. 8, 1849.) His wife d. April 27, 1849. Again m. Mrs. Sophia C. Davis, widow of Solomon P. Davis of Holden, Sept. 11, 1850. Emma Sarah b. May 26, 1852, (died April 5, 1853 ;) Carrie, b. Aug. 23, 1853 ; Nellie Carey b. Dec. 30, 1855, (died Sept. 10, 1859,) Sarah Worcester, April 4, 1858. Demond Alpheus, s. of Capt. Elijah Demond of Rutland, m. Mary Stone of Oakham, Sept. 1806. Albert Augustine, b. Aug. 10, 1807 ; Augusta, June 27, 1810 ; Lorenzo, July 31, 1812. Mr. Demond was a merchant in this town several years, one of the selectmen, and removed to Ware, April 1, 1813, where he died, May, 1859, aged 80. Eaton Rev. Joshua, (see another part of this work,) m. Sarah Elliot, a descendant of Rev. John Elliot, apostle to the Indians, Dec. 26, 1739. John b. May 19, 1741, (died July 11, 1754.) Sarah, b. May 12, 1744, (died Oct. same year.) Sarah b. Oct. 11, 1745 ; Mary, Oct. 1, 1747, (died July 2, 1754) ; Joshua b. Jan. 2, 1749 ; Samuel b. March 14, 1752, (died Jan. 21, 1754) ; John Elliot b. Feb. 9, 1756. Mr. Eaton died April 2, 1772, aged 57. His wife died Oct, 28, 1770. Sarah married Doct. William Frink. John Elliot, a physician, died in Dudley, 1812. Elliot John, Esq., came from New Haven, Conn., 1760- He was also a descendant of Rev. John Elliot and brother to Mrs. Eaton. He owned the mansion house, afterwards owned by Mr. Isaac Jenks, and about 440 acres of land. He was a gentleman .of some distinction — well educated, lived in a style of affluence and considered wealthy, paying the largest tax in town. He was appointed justice of the peace by Gov. Bernard, Jan. 1, 1762, and was often one of the selectmen, town clerk, moderator, &c. After remaining in town some ten or eleven years, he removed again to New Haven. He had two sons educated at Harvard University. Eames Henry, from Boylston, m. Sally Muzzy, da. of Edmund Muzzy, Nov. 26, 1807. Timothy Dwight b. May HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 197 15, 1809 ; William Alden, Aug. 4, 1811 ; Sarah, Feb. 15, 1814. His wife Sarah d. Jan. 12, 1831a ged 45, he again m. Mrs. Roxana Jenks, widow of John Jenks, June 31, 1832. Eaton Ziba, m. Sally Hathaway of Sutton, 1817. Pau lina Hoxa, b. May 18, 1818 ; Lucy, March 8, 1820; Sarah, Jan. 9, 1824 ; Mary L., April 20, 1830 ; (Died Sept, 3, 1843, aged 13). Mrs. Eaton d. April 20, 1851, aged 55. Frink William, Doct., (noticed in another place,) b. in Rutland, Dec. 14, 1742, and m. Sarah Eaton, da. of Rev. Joshua Eaton, May 3, 1772. William Eaton, b. 1774 ; Sarah, 1776 ; Polly, 1778 ; Isabel Wright, 1780. He lived in the old house now owned by Edward Proctor. Removed to Rut land 1783, and d. from a fall from a load of hay. Flagg John, came from Waltham, and purchased the tav ern and farm since owned by Isaac Jenks, at that time owned by Josiah Robinson. He kept the public house seven years, and in 1761 he purchased lot (69), the farm of Cheney Sumner being a part of the same, and built the house late ly taken down. He removed to Waltham in 1767, where he kept a public house until his death. His children while in Spencer, by his wife Patience, were, Patience, b. May 21, 1755; John, April 15, 1762. Flagg Samuel, brother to John, above mentioned, came from Waltham and settled on the east end of lots (29 and 36) in 1762. He afterwards removed on to lot (67), now owned by Jonas Guilford 2d, where he died. His children by his wife Grace, are, Susannah, ; Sarah, b. March 17, 1763 ; Samuel, July 24, 1765 ; Hannah, Sept. 19, 1767 ; Esther, ; Polly, ; Josiah, . Susannah, m. Solomon Cook of Charlton, Feb. 20, 1782 ; Hannah to Elias Adams, Dec. 24, 1789; Esther to James Adams of Brook field, April 26, 1791 ; Sarah to John Guilford, May 8, 1793 ; Polly to John Bemis of Paxton, July 5, 1796 ; Josiah to Mary Adams of Brookfield, Dec. 29, 1796. Gates Oldham, from Bolton, settled on the central part 198 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. of lot (15), now owned by Eber Snow and son. He m. Me hetable Trowbridge of Framingham, 1745. Mehetable, b. June 13, 1746 ; Susannah, June 7, 1748 ; Ruth, March 21, 1750 ; Jonas, June 27, 1752. His wife d. and he m. Patience Bartlet of North Brookfield, da. of Nathaniel Bartlet, Nov. 21, 1754. John, b. March 2, 1757 ; James, Jan. 20, 1759 ; Thankful, July 9, 1760 ; Dorothy, Sept. 28, 1755. In 1767, he sold his farm to Capt. Jonathan Wood, and left the town. Gates Sylvanus, from Rutland, m. Elizabeth Graham, da. of John Graham. Stephen, b. Aug. 7, 1780 ; Sally, June 10, 1783 ; Betsey, May 2, 1785 ; Mary, Jan. 28, 1787 ; Lucinda, July 28, 1791 ; Philenda, Nov. 17, 1792 ; Sylva nus, Oct. 24, 1793 ; Alpheus Woods, Oct. 12, 1796. Mr. Gates removed to Pennsylvania in 1815. Stephen m. Sarah Draper, da. of James Draper, Sally to Eli Harrington, Betsey to Joel Prouty of Boston, Mary to Aaron G. Perham, Philenda to Calvin Page of Boston. Gates Stephen, s. of the above, m. Sarah Draper. Har rison, b. Aug. 25, 1713 ; James Draper, March 4, 1815. Removed with his father to Pennsylvania. Graham John, from Rutland, purchased and settled on the west part of lot (31) in 1747, and built the house now standing, lately owned by Avery Bush. Ho m. Jane Thompson. Robert, b. June 19, 1747 ; Andrew, June 22, 1749 ; Kate, June 18, 1751 ; William, Aug. 28, 1753 ; Elizabeth, Aug. 6, 1755 ; John, Sept. 1, 1757 ; Jesse, March 31, 1760; Mary, June 6, 1762; Samuel, Sept. 19, 1764. Mr. Graham d. March 17, 1776. His wife d. March 18, 1808, aged 87. John, m. Olive Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior, May 30, 1780 ; Elizabeth to Sylvanus Gates, April 4, 1780 ; Mary to James Bigelow, Dec. 18, 1783 ; Jesse to Anna Parker, May 12, 1785; Kate to Kerley Ward of Paxton. Garfield Samuel, from Weston, settled on the central part of lot (16) in 1748, where his grandson, Joseph Garfield HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 199 now lives. He had by his wife Hannah, a da. named Hannah, b. July 18, 1755. His wife d. and he m. Abigail Peirce of Holden, May 27, 1756. Samuel, b. March 5, 1756 ; Joseph, Sept. 19, 1758; Daniel, Sept, 29, 1760; Josiah, Oct. 12, 1762 ; Abigail, Aug. 28, 1764 ; Enoch, Sept. 28, 1766 ; Elisha, April 25, 1769 ; John, July 26, 1771 ; Eliz abeth, Sept. 15, 1773 ; Silas, Jan. 19, 1776. Mr. Garfield, d. June 12, 1792, aged 72. His wife Abigail, d. Jan. 23, 1816. He was a large, athletic man, formerly well recol lected by many of our people for his sallies of wit, feats of strength and cheerful disposition. The following anecdote may serve as a specimen of his great strength. Mr. Gar field being at the store of Col. Chandler in Worcester, (who was also fond of a joke) was enquiring the price of a certain grindstone which he wished to purchase. Mr. Garfield thought the price too high for so small a stone, and said he could carry it home on his back to Spencer. Well, says Col. Chandler, the stone weighs 200 lbs., and if you will carry it to Spencer without taking it from your shoulder until you arrive there, you shall have it free. No quicker said than done. The stone was placed upon his shoulder, and he literally complied with the bargain, brought the stone to Spencer, without removing it from his shoulders. A remnant of the stone may now be seen at his former place of residence. He was one of the selectmen in 1745, when Leicester and Spencer were one town. Garfield Joseph, s. of the above, m. Elizabeth Mirick of Princeton, Jan. 12, 1790. Daniel, b. June 16, 1791 ; John, Jan. 14, 1799 ; Elizabeth, May 6, 1801 ; Lucy, May 2, 1803 ; Joseph, Jan. 4, 1806. Daniel, d. Nov. 22, 1812 ; Elizabeth, m. Elijah Kittredge, jun. April 17, 1822 ; Lucy, m. Martin Bemis, Nov. 3, 1842. Mr. Garfield d. June 10, 1836, aged 77. His wife d. May 8, 1838, aged 71. He was a soldier in the revolution. Garfield Joseph, jun. m. E. Jane Garfield of Langdon, 200 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. N. H., 1849. , b. Nov. 12, 1850 ; Jane Stearnes, Aug. 6, 1852. Garfield Silas, m. Sarah Bothwell. Elbridge G., b. Dec. 8, 1814; Silas, Feb. 22, 1816; Sarah P. March 18, 1818. He d. April 22, 1829, aged 53. Garfield Hannah, da. of Samuel senior, m. Daniel Spear, Jan. 26, 1794. Garfield Abigail, da. of Samuel senior, m. Philip Bayley of Douglas, July 2, 1789. Green Benjamin, came from Leicester, and settled on the east side of the school lot. He lived there two years, then sold to Thomas White, and purchased and removed on lot (78) now owned by his grandson, Otis Green, where he died. Green Benjamin, s. of the above, m. Martha Watson, da. of Dea. Oliver Watson, June 16, 1785. Betsey, b. April 28, 1786 ; Clark Elliot, Feb. 20, 1788 : Lucy, Nov. 10, 1789 ; Hannah, April 17, 1792 : Oliver Watson, Feb. 28, 1794; Otis, Feb. 7, 1796: David, Dec. 27, 1797. Martha, da. of the above, m. Thomas B. Clark, Feb. 15, 1838 : Otis to Martha Wilson, da. of Nathaniel Wilson, Feb. 24, 1835. Mr. Green d. Nov. 27, 1835, aged 80. Mrs. Green, d. May 25, 1847, aged 84. Green Lemuel, b. in Leicester, 1749, and was s. of Nathaniel Green, minister of the Baptist society in Leicester, known by the name of " Elder Green." He was a soldier in the war of the revolution, was wounded in a battle with the British army. He and his wife Sarah came on to the north part of lot (78), lately owned by his son James. Molly, b- Jan. 23, 1773: Esther, Oct. 26, 1774: Ezra, Oct. 8, 1776: Anna, Jan. 9, 1779: William, Oct. 13, 1780: Sally, Sept. 19, 1782 : Elijah, Dec. 10, 1785; Betsey, June 22, 1788 : James, April 28, 1791 : Willard Moors, May 26, 1796. Esther m. Joseph Bennett, April 17, 1800. Sally to Arte- mas Bennett, Oct. 31, 1802. Elijah d. Jan. 25, 1810; HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 201 Betsey d. May 17, 1823. Mr. Green d. Jan. 22, 1818. His wife d. June 25, 1824. Green James, s. of the above, m. Naomi Mclntire of Charlton, 1823. She d. May 23, 1824, aged 24. He again m. Anna Livermore, d. of David Livermore senior, July 3, 1825. John b. June 5, 1826 ; Ann Eliza, . His wife Anna d. Jan. 24, 1829, aged 39. He died by suicide, July 3, 1828, aged 37. Green Josiah, from Leicester, first lived on lot (1), was m. to Tamer Watson, da. of Robert Watson, Sept. 4, 1816. Shed. Oct. 13, 1820. He again m. Sybil Underwood, da. of Dea. Reuben Underwood, Oct. 2, 1821. Eliza, b. July 18, 1822; Josiah, Dec. 15, 1823; Charles W. March 25, 1827 ; Henry R. Oct. 30, 1829 ; Jonas U. Feb. 23, 1832 ; Edward, Aug. 6, 1834; Sybil A. Dec. 3, 1838; Sarah I. Dec. 31, 1840. Eliza m. Emory Shumway, May, 1851. Green Jabez, m. Eliza Luther, da. of Sylvester Luther, April 10, 1827. Martin b. May 28, 1828 ; Joseph, Nov. 29, 1829 ; Edwin, Aug. 29, 1831 ; Sylvester Luther, Feb. 23, 1835; John Murry, April 27, 1837; Milton Willis, Feb. 28, 1844. Mr. Green has been representative, selectman, &c. Removed to the state of New York. Green Josiah, jun., m. Sarah E. Nichols of Worcester, 1847. Flora Elizabeth, b. Sept. 22, 1854; Carrie Bigelow, Oct. 1, 1857. Green Henry R., s. of Josiah, m. Mary F. Fogg of Thomaston, Maine, May 18,^1853. Charles Henry, b. June 4, 1854; Ella Francis, Dec. 16, 1856 ; Annie Frank, June 19, 1859. Green Samuel B., m. Emily Wright, da. of Joel Wright, May 13, 1836. Lnsatia Elizabeth, b. Oct. 1, 1839 ; Joel Wright, Dec. 4, 1840; Sarah Jane, July 26, 1843 ; Alfred, Dec. 13, 1851. Green Bloomfield, m. Emeline Boynes, April 16, 1845. Harriet Elizabeth, b. Oct, 13, 1845; George Stephen, Oct. 2, 18 202 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 1847; Oct. 13,1849; Herbert, May 26, 1855. Green Nathaniel, from Brookfield, m. Catherine Adams of Brookfield, Jan. 19, 1807. Ezra, b. Sept. 7, 1807 ; Mir anda, Feb. 28, 1809 ; Nathaniel, July 13, 1811 ; Mary Ann, Dec. 7, 1813 ; Timothy, Feb. 11, 1816 ; Horace, Charles, . His wife d. He again m. Phebe Drury of Charlton, 1830. Horace m. Charity Pierce of Brookfield, 1841. Grout Jonathan, s. of Thomas Grout, m. Olive Jones, April 20, 1786. Hannah, b. Feb. 24, 1788 ; Joel, Aug. 11, 1789 ; Abigail, Aug. 14, 1791 ; John, Feb. 11, 1793 ; Sally, Oct. 5, 1794 ; Jeremiah, June 7, 1796 ; Otis, Feb. 20, 1798 ; Silas, June 7, 1800 ; Lory, Dec. 21, 1804. Hannah m. Zor obabel Baldwin, March 19, 1812 ; Abigail to Ephraim Cope land of Leicester, Nov. 18, 1812 ; He d. She again m. Rufus Rich, June 2, 1823 ; Sally to John H. Rich of Charl ton, Dec. 30, 1818. John Grout d. March 17, 1820. Mr. Grout lived on the east part of lot (53). He d. July 13, 1849, aged 86. Mrs. Grout d. Feb. 16, 1848, aged 86. Grout Joel, s. of the above, m. Nancy Crackbone of New ton, March, 1813. Mary Spring b. May 21, 1815 ; (d. July 5, 1836, aged 21.) Harriet, b. July 26, 1817 ; Anna Maria, May 8, 1819; Sarah, Feb. 16, 1823; Hannah, Dec. 27, 1825; Adaline, January, 1828; John Newton, June 30, 1830 ; Joseph Crackbone, Dec. 1832. Harriet m. Samuel H. Pierce of Worcester, Oct. 31, 1839 ; Adaline m. Sandford Snow, 1853. Grout Jeremiah, m. Hannah Nye. She was born in New Braintree, Dec. 10, 1801. John Nye, b. March 8, 1822 ; Eleanor Pope, April 17, 1823 ; George Frederick, Aug. 25, 1825 ; Frances Jane, Feb. 15, 1827 ; Horace Alonzo, March 20, 1829. Eleanor P. m. John L. Bush, 1849. George F. m. Mary E. Livermore, 1853. Grout Otis, m. Sally Guilford, da. of Doct. Jonas Guil ford senior, Nov. 23, 1819. Eliza, b. Aug. 30, 1820; Otis, HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 203 March 16, 1822; William, Dec. 5, 1823 ; Charles, Nov. 16, 1825 ; Emeline, Jan. 18, 1829. His wife Sally d. and he m. Sally Wheat. Grout Silas, m. Roxana Draper, da. of Zenas Draper, April 24, 1823. Silas, b. March 10, 1824 ; Nancy, Feb. 19, 1826 ; Ellen Eliza, Feb. 5, 1828. She d. and he m. Eliza Draper, sister to first wife. Grout Lory, m. Laura Luther, da. of Sylvester Luther, June 3, 1829. Guilford John, m. Sarah Flagg, May 8, 1793. Sophia, b. Nov. 7, 1794 ; Jonas, May 27, 1797 ; Catherine, March 4, 1799 ; John F., Jan. 16, 1802. Sophia m. Elijah Adams of Brookfield, Nov. 28, 1821. He was found dead in the water near Johnson Pond in North Brookfield, March 20, 1828, aged 76. His wife d. June 8, 1821. Guilford Jonas, 2d, s. of the above, m. Eliza Ann Mun roe, da. of Nathan Munroe, Nov. 4, 1830. Augusta, b. Nov. 2, 1831 ; Ann Eliza, Oct. 24, 1832 ; Nathan, Sept. 27, 1834 ; Sarah Jane, Oct. 12, 1842. Guilford John F., brother to the above, m. Eliza C. Gray of Ashfield, 1832. John Elliot, b. March 7, 1834. Guilford Jonas, Doct., m. Lydia Hobbs of Brookfield. Betsey b. May 15, 1784; Nathan, July 19, 1786; Jonas, Nov. 10, 1788 ; Charles, July 25, 1731 ; John, Feb. 4, 1793; Lydia, Feb. 24, 1795 ; Sally, July 28, 1797 ; Asa, . Betsey m. Nathaniel Bemis, May 7, 1816. Guilford Jonas, jun., Doct., s. of the above, in. Persis Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, June 20, 1816. Sarah B. b. Dec. 5, 1816 ; Caroline, Dec. 23, 1819 ; Persis, Aug. 16, 1822 ; Maria, Aug. 19, 1826 ; Phebe Jane, May 29, 1829 ; Ellen, Aug. 1832. Sarah B. m. Charles E. Denney, May 19, 1840 ; Caroline to David Prouty, Jan. 14, 1840; Persis to Asa T. Jones, 1845. Goodenow Cornelius, was from Rutland, settled on the part of lot (31) in 1748. He lived there several years. He 204 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. had one son by his wife Abigail ; Jonathan b. May 22, 1751. Afterwards annexed to the western part of the lot belong ing to John Graham. Greaton John, from Medford, (originally from England,) made the third settlement in Spencer. He purchased lot (25) in 1723, since owned by Phineas Jones and now by Ebenezer Proctor. His children were John, Sarah, Mary, Thomas, James, Martha, Hannah, and Joseph. He was killed on his farm, by the fall of a tree which himself cut down, April 1737. James, m. Hannah Baldwin of Lieces- ter, April 27, 1749. He received the homestead. John, b. Dec. -22, 1749 ; James, Oct. 30, 1751 ; Mary, Aug. 19, 1753 ; Hannah, May 7, 1755; Thomas, Aug. 1, 1757; Nathan, July 28, 1759. Some of his descendants remain in Leices ter and Paxton. Griffin David, with his brother Robert and sister Issabel, settled on the east part of lot (12) in 1750, now owned by Jonathan Munroe and Joshua Cole. They were born in Ireland, in the county of Antrim and parish of Bellowilling. David, b. 1686; Issabel, 1695; Robert, 1697. They were all unmarried, and so remained to their death. For a few years they were frugal and industrious, and accumulated property, but the latter part of their lives they all became intemperate, and were all hurried to their graves in quick succession. David d. Dec. 14, 1769, aged 88 ; Robert d. July 16, 1770, aged 73 ; Issabel d. July 29, 1770, aged 75. They left no heirs in this country. A nephew, Robert Griffin, came from Ireland and inherited their estate. But he too, becoming intemperate, died a pauper in 1795. David Griffin is represented as a shrewd, keen-witted per son, and was famous for raising good horses. Offering one for sale to the Rev. Mr. Maccarty of Worcester, he objected to the color. David replied, " He never knew a good horse have a bad color." That completed the bargain. Another anecdote is related of him. Being at the store of Col. John HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 205 Chandler, he says, in a jocose way, "Mr. Griffin, you have no heirs in this country, and when you die you had better give your property to me." If I should, says David, I should be a wiser man than Solomon, because Solomon says, when a man dies and leaves his property to some one, but does not know whether he will be a wise man or a fool ; but if I should leave my property to you, I should know it would be to a fool, and a cursed fool, too. Gleason Benjamin, from Sudbury, purchased lot (70) in 1763, and the next year removed his family on to it, now owned by Rufus Rich. He m. Dorothy Allen while at Sudbury, and while there had Benjamin, Elisha and Mary. While in Spencer, his children were, Josiah, b. July 27, 1765 ; Phineas, June 3, 1707 ; Dolly, Nov. 7, 1770 ; John, Aug. 16, 1772; Rebekah, April 21, 1774; Samuel, May 8, 1779. Benjamin m. Sarah Underwood, Feb. 24, 1783 ; Rebekah to Thaddeus White, Esq. of Washington, Vt. Jan. 14, 1810; Samuel to Nancy Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Feb. 3, 1811. Mr. Gleason was a farmer and black smith, and d. Oct, 15, 1818. Mrs. Gleason d. Feb. 3, 1831, aged 94. Gleason Phineas, s. of the above, m. Betsey Faucet, March 14, 1808. Hiram, b. June 23, 1808 ; Adaline, Oct. 13, 1812; Laurinda, July 4, 1815. Gleason John, brother of the above, m. Sally Cheney of Sutton, 1805. Sukey b. Sept. 18, 1806 ; Lucy, April 8, 180S ; Nathaniel Cheney, Dec. 19, 1814. Hn.T, John, with his wife Mary, came from Framingham and purchased of Samuel Bemis 50 acres, being the north east corner of lot (56) now owned by Cheney Sumner and Dexter Converse, where are the remains of his cellar. Mary b. April 20, 1743 ; John b. Aug. 0, 1744 : Jacob, June 28, 1747 ; Sarah, May 28, 1752 ; Betty, June 19, 1758. Htt.t. Jacob, s. of the above, with his wife Sarah, had Isaac, b. July 28, 1774 ; Abigail, Aug. 2, 1777 ; Rebekah, 18* 206 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. Feb. 26, 1791 ; Sarah, Aug. 29, 1793 ; Annah,Oct. 3, 1795. He removed to New York, on the Chenango river. Hill Daniel, m. Mary Clark, da. of Mathias Clark, Sept. 28, 1769. His farm now owned by Henry Belcher and others. Joshua b. March 8, 1772 ; Clark, April 5, 1774 ; Daniel, April 29, 1777 ; Nathan, June 18,1779 ; Jonathan, May 8, 1781 ; Betsey, April 6, 1785 ; Mary, Nov. 18, 1787. Mr. Hill was a soldier in the war with France, 1760. He d. Feb. 6, 1837, aged 94. His wife d. Dec. 8, 1830, aged 87. Hill Joshua, s. of the above, m. Miriam Briggs of Brookfield, Jan. 1, 1795. Washington b. July 2, 1796 Joshua, March 24, 1798; Willington, June 4, 1799 Warner, Aug. 9, 1802 ; Almira Parmenter, Feb. 20, 1804 Nancy Robertson, Aug. 29, 1806 ; Sullivan, July 2, 1808 Dexter, . Almira P. m. John Kent, Jan. 1, 1828 Nancy R. m. Francis Dana, of Hartford, Conn., Dec. 6, 1827. Mr. Hill still lives at the age of 88, with a second wife. Hill Clark, brother of tbe above, m. Anna Mann of Richmond, N. H. 1799. Orison b. May 18, 1801 ; Liberty, June 30, 1802 ; Jefferson, Nov. 25, 1803 ; Pliny, Nov. 16, 1805; Orange, June 13, 1806; Benjamin D., June 17, 1808; Valentine, March 28, 1810; Sarah, June 7, 1812; Alford, Jan. 23, 1814 ; James, Jan. 17^ 1816 ; Clark, April 25, 1818. Hill Daniel, jun. m. Sally Snell, April 19, 1804. Char- lottb. July 10,1809; Sally, Dec. 2, 1818; Harvey, Feb. 9, 1821 ; Henry Snell, April 22, 1812 ; Cheney, April 15, 1814; Isaac, March 20, 1816 ; Sally, Dec. 28, 1817 ; Fores ter, Jan. 3, 1823 ; Nancy Elizabeth, July 29, 1824 ; Daniel Dwight, Jan 23, 1827. Hill Nathan, brother of the above, m. Joanna Bennett, Oct. 26, 1803. Nancy, b. May 4, 1804. She d. Nov. 22, 1805. He again m. Lucy Bennett. Sally, b. April 9, 1808; Lucius, Feb. 27, 1812; Solomon, Aug. 15, 1814. Removed to the state of Ohio. Betsey Hill, da. of Daniel HISTORY OF STENCEE. 207 senior, m. William S. Boynes, 1 808, and was killed by light ning, June 18, 1823 ; Mary Hill, da. of Daniel senior, m. James B. Kent of Brookfield, Dec. 29, 1811. Howe Elijah, m. Deborah Smith, both of them of Leices ter, June 24, 1759. He came to Spencer, 1776. Joel b. 1760: Kerley, Frederick, Elijah, Sally and Elizabeth, all b. in Leicester. Catharine b. June 25. 1777 ; James, Aug. 19, 1781: Lucretia, May 28. 1784; three last b. in Spencer. Sally, ni. William Adams of Brookfield, Aug. 9, 1795 ; Elizabeth to James Blanchard of Charlton, Aug. 1795 ; Catharine to Sylvester Luther, Dec 1, 1803; Lucretia to Bernard Green, March 30, 1809 : James to Achsah May nard, Dec. 22. 1812. Howe Joel, son of the above, m. Elizabeth Bemis, da. of Nathaniel Bemis senior. Hannah, b. Dec. 8,1785; Ruth, April 15. 1788. His wife d. and he m. Esther Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis senior. Frances, b. Feb. 22, 1801 ; Martha, Julyl. 1S03; Caroline, Nov. 18, 1805: Anna, April 21, 1808 : Fanny, May 2. 1811 ; Sarah Bemis, March 19, 1814 : Esther, March, 2;:. 1817; Joel, Jan. 31, 1819. Mr. Howe was a soldier in the war of the revolution, had a pension, and d. Jan. 9, 1854, aged 93. Howe Kerley, brother of the above, m. Abiah Howland. Abiah, b. April 5. 17S4. His wife d. and he m. Anna White, da. of John White. Nancy and Charles, b. Oct, 13, 1788 : Horace, June 29, 1793 ; Silence and Polly, April 19, 1796; Lossa, July 19, 1801. Howe Frederick, brother of the above, m. Sarah White, da. of John White, senior. Cynthia b. March 6, 1789 ; Frederick, Feb. 21. 1791 ; Sarah AV.. Feb. 23. 1793 ; Darius, Feb. 4, 1795: Lewis. Nov. 24, 1796; Relief, Dec 22, 1798 ; Dennis. April 18. 1801 : Mehetable, Sept. 12, 1803 ; Luther, Nov. 14, 1S05, (died March 3, 1829); Amy, b. Feb. 3, 1808; Addison, Dee. 15, 1810; Cyrus, April 6. 1813, (died March 25, 18S9) ; Cynthia m. Jason Abbott of Paxton, 208 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Oct. 8, 1812; Darius m. Mary Clark, May 20, 1821 ; Amy m. Lowell Damon of Fitzwilliam, N. H. Oct. 6, 1831 ; Me hetable m. Hallowell P. Partridge of Plain field, Conn. Oct. 4, 1832. Mr. Howe was a surveyor of land, a justice ofthe peace, and assessor many years. He d. Oct. 19, 1848, aged 84. Mrs. Howe d. Dec. 3, 1852, aged 84. Howe Elijah, brother of the above, m. Fanny Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, senior. Elijah b. Sept. 17, 1790 ; Elias, Dec. 27, 1792 ; Liberty, Feb. 8, 1798 ; Tyler, Aug. 11, 1800; William, May 12, 1803; Alphonzo, July 3, 1805; Hiram, Jan. 21, 1808; Elbridge, March 6, 1810; Sarah Ann, April 9, 1812. He d. Jan. 9, 1816. Mrs. Howe m. Aaron Ban nister, and d. Nov. 25, 1852, aged 81. Howe Elijah, s. of the above, m. Fanny Watson, da. of Jacob Watson. Maryb. Jan. 13, 1816 ; Elijah, Oct. 8, 1817; Emeline, Sept. 22, 1819; Charles, Feb. 17,1822. He d. May 30, 1845, aged 54. Howe Elias, brother of the above, m. Polly Bemis of Chester, 1816. Amasa b. Nov. 3, 1817 ; Elias, July 9, 1819. He is the inventor and patentee of the celebrated sewing machine. Mary b. March 13, 1821 ; Horace Smith, b. May 10, 1823 ; Eliza, Dec. 22, 1824 ; Juliet, Nov. 20, 1826; Carintha, 1828. Mr. Howe now resides in Cam- bridgeport. Howe William, brother of the above, m. Azubah T. Stone of Charlton, 1828. George S. b. March 20, 1829, (d. July 26, 1831.) Marian Stone b. April 15, 1831, (d. Aug. 9, 1831) ; George AVilliam b. Oct. 29, 1832. Mr. Howe was a man, like his nephew Elias, of great ingenuity. He was the inventor and patentee of the " truss wooden bridge," now generally used in the construction of large bridges. With this patent he constructed the bridge for the Western Railroad, over Connecticut river at Springfield. He also de signed and built the roof over the large depot of the Boston and Worcester Railroad at Boston, which was considered a HISTORY OF SPENCER. 209 very difficult and hazardous undertaking, but which was ac complished in a very satisfactory manner. He removed to Springfield and there died. Howe Hiram, brother of the above, m. Azubah Williams of Charlton, 1835. Ebenezer b. Aug. 27, 1836; Moses, Jan. 5, 1840. Mr. Howe is the owner of mills and a large real estate. Howe Francis, s. of Joel, with his wife Hannah, had Ed ward, b. Oct. 12, 1829 ; Sarah, Sept. 13, 1831 ; Chauncey, Aug. 2, 1833 ; Esther Viletta, Dec. 5, 1835. Howland John, bought and built on the northern part of lot 58, in 1769, where his son Abner lately lived. His only son on record by his first wife, Abner, b. March, 1769. She d. and^e was married to Bulah Bemis, da. of Samuel Bemis, jun. Molly or Polly b. March 20, 1775 ; James, Oct. 30, 1777 ; Abigail, June 6, 1779 ; Willard, June 28, 1780; Sukey, April 19, 1783 ; Abiah, Aug. 16, 1785. His wife Bulah d., he m. Mrs. Rachel Perkins Feb. 25, 1790. He removed to Brookfield, and d. Jan. 13, 1810. Howland Abner, m. Ruth Gould. Melinda b. July 25, 1794 ; Polly, Oct. 13, 1798 ; Otis, Nov. 6, 1800 ; Wilber, Feb. 6, 1803 ; Sukey, Feb. 8, 1805 ; Marquis Lyon, Sept. 12, 1808 ; Malina, May 25, 1811. Howland Wilber, s. of the above, m. Augusta Marsh, da. of Tyler Marsh, May 15, 1827. Lydia Ann, b. April, 1828. Howland James, s. of John, m. Catharine Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis senior, Jan. 24, 1799. Removed to Brookfield. Both deceased. Harrington Elisha, from Brookfield, 1791, m. to Betsey Marble. Dwight Foster and Cheney b. in Brookfield. Charles b. Dec. 27,1792, (died Nov. 17, 1807;) Elishah. June 22, 1796 ; Lucy, June 6, 1798 ; Betsey, May 24, 1800 ; Maria, June 17, 1802; Sophia, Nov.'l, 1804. Dwight F. d. at Monson May 23, 1821 ; Betsey m. David Barnard, March 210 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 21, 1825 ; Sophia m. Thomas Hanna of Indiana, Sept. 7, 1848, (she died at Richmond, Indiana, July 24, 1849, of cholera,) Maria m. Thomas Hanna, Aug. 29, 1850. Mr. Harrington was cabinet maker, farmer and merchant, also a soldier in the war of the revolution. Died Jan. 2, 1817, aged 56. Mrs. Harrington died Nov. 26, 1838, aged 76. Hatch Stevens, with his wife Ruth, came from Hanover, 1770, on to the northeast part of lot 33, now owned by the town of Spencer. Thomas b. at Hanover, Feb. 4, 1767 ; Elias b. at Hanover, Aug. 29, 1769 ; Lydia at Spencer, Nov. 4, 1780. Lydia m. William Prouty, Dec. 16, 1798. Again to Joshua Bemis, July 28, 1819, and again to Ed mund Muzzy, May 3, 1838. Hatch Thomas, s. of the above, m. Molly P»uty, da. of John Prouty, Nov. 15, 1787. Eli b. Dec. 13, 1789 ; Wind sor, Dec. 3, 1792 ; Cynthia, March 14, 1795 ; Lyman, March 7, 1797 ; Morena, April 2, 1799 ; Abigail, June 15, 1801 ; Sophronia, Aug. 28, 1803; Hiram, July 13, 1806; Cutler, Sept. 30, 1808. His wife d. Oct. 19, 1811, agatn m. Mrs. Azuba Towne, March 22, 1812. Hatch Eli, m. Hannah Whittemore, da. of Reuben Whit temore, July 10, 1814. Lorenzo b. July 16, 1816 ; Caroline b. Feb. 20, 1826. Windsor Hatch, s. of Thomas, m. Mary Drury, June 29, 1817. Hatch Elias, s. of Stevens, m. Olive Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Nov. 10, 1791. Lucy b. Oct. 24, 1792 ; (died March 31, 1806 ;) Cheney b. April 3, 1795 ; Dwight, Aug. 2, 1797; Nancy, Jan. 11, 1802; Sophia, March 29, 1804; William, Nov. 11, 1805 ; Olive, Sept. 5, 1806 ; John, Jan. 21, 1816. Cheney resides in Leicester ; is president of the Leicester Bank. Dwight m. Philetta Hobbs, Oct. 8, 1821. William m. Conklin, and lives in Leicester. Hobbs Daniel, from Brookfield, m. Dolly Newhall, widow of Allen Newhall and da. of Jonas Bemis senior, Dec. 4, 1794. Warren b. ; Samuel, June 22, 1795 ; Lyman, HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 211 Dec. 6, 1802 ; Lorenzo, Oct. 5, 1804; Marcus, Jan. 9, 1807; Cordelia, March 27, 1809 ; Daniel, ; George L, . Mr. Hobbs d. Oct. 29, 1846, aged 80. His wife d. May 21, 1852, aged 85. Hunt Aaron, from Paxton, about 1770, had with his wife Lavinia, while in Paxton, Frederick, Luther, Samuel and Persis. While in Spencer, John, b. June 25, 1770 ; Aaron, Sept. 23, 1772 ; Sarah, Oct. 31, 1774 ; Elizabeth, Dec. 28, 1776; Martha, May 18, 1780. Persis m. John Smith of Paxton, Jan. 8, 1784 : Sarah m. Michael Jenks, March 2, 1797 ; Elizabeth to Silas Bemis, April 20, 1797. John went to New York, Aaron d. in Spencer. Mr. Hunt was a man of some education, taught school, was selectman in 1778 and 1779. He and his wife d. in Oakham. Hill Washington, s. of Joshua, m. Almira Kent of Brookfield, 1823. Lewis b. Jan. 23, 1824 ; Luther, Nov. 22, 1825; Alonzo, March 21, 1828; Elvira Calista, April 13, 1830. His wife d. Jan. 9, 1832, and he m. Lucy Hap- good of Shrewsbury, 1834. Martha Hapgood, b. Feb. 26, 1837 ; Lucy Elizabeth, April 19, 1841 ; Ephraim Hapgood, July 4, 1842. Mr. Hill has been a merchant and farmer. Hall Samuel, with his wife Lydia, from Grafton, about 1770, and purchased the farm now owned by his grandson, Elias Hall. Samuel and Moses, b. in Grafton ; Lydia, b. Oct. 22, 1771; Elizabeth, Feb. 7, 1774; Jonathan, Aug. 24, 1776; Elias, Nov. 12, 1778; Sarah, Aug. 5, 1781; Olive, Oct. 28, 1783; Ruth, July 5, 1786. Mr. Hall d. Jan. 10, 1814. Mrs. Hall d. July 17, 1817. Hall Samuel, jun., m. Lydia Hinds of North Brookfield. Pearly, b. Dec. 30, 1797; Horatio, Aug. 12, 1806; Lucy, May 30, 1808 ; Lydia, Feb. 9, 1813. His wife d. March 3, 1820. He d. June 21, 1835, aged 68. Hall Horatio, s. of the above, m. Sarah Eames, da. of Henry Eames, April 9, 1833. Sarah Jane b. Aug. 27, 1834 ; Abigail, Dec. 30, 1836 ; Mary Elizabeth, May 15, 1839. 212 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Hall Moses, s. of Samuel senior, m. Sarah Grout of Westborough, 1802. She d. Oct. 19, 1805 ; he m. Eliz abeth Mason, da. of Capt. Ebenezer Mason, Feb. 23, 1809. Elliot b. Feb. 18, 1811 ; Moses, Nov. 1816. Mr. Hall was a captain in the militia, selectman and assessor. He lived where his son Elliot now lives. He d. suddenly, June 13, 1835, aged 66. Hall Elliot, s. of the above, m. Mary Drake of North Brookfield, May 7, 1840. Francis Elliot b. July 15, 1841 ; Mary Elizabeth, Nov. 9, 1846. Hall Jonathan, s. of Samuel senior, m. Sally Prouty, da. of Maj. David Prouty, Dec. 1, 1803. Uriel b. Feb. 21, 1804 ; Clarissa, April 2, 1805. Removed to Langdon, N. H. Hall Elias, brother of the above, m. Mehetable Luther, da. of Robert Luther, Nov. 28, 1805. Betsey Luther, b. June 27, 1806; Mehetable, July 29, 1808 ; Ruthana, April 12, 1812; Elias, July 27, 1816 ; Jane Ann, Oct. 22, 1819 ; Lydia Whipple, Dec. 30, 1823. Mr. Hall d. July 1, 1852, aged 72. His wife d. Aug. 27, 1833, aged 48. Hall Elias, jun. m. Mirriam H. Burgess, May 28, 1845. Maria Jane b. May 31, 1846. Mrs. Hall d. Sept 20, 1847, aged 29. Heyward Ephraim C. m, Clarissa Coggswell, Jan. 1, 1817. Alice Pratt b. Dec. 3,1817; Erastus Loring, April 25, 1821 ; Leander Burnham, Dec. 1, 1822 ; Sarah Mun roe, April 21, 1825 ; Clarissa Phidelia, March 22, 1827 ; Elvira H. March 25, 1829 ; Austin S. June 1, 1831 ; George B. April 12, 1833. Mr. Heywood d. July 28, 1837, aged 42. Hersey Nathan, s. of Elijah Hersey b. Jan 11, 1809. He m. Harriet Barnes, d. of Amos Livermore, April 2, 1833. She was b. July 15, 1807. Ellen Maria b. Feb. 8, 1834, (d. Jan. 2, 1836) ; Alonzo b. Jan. 6, 1836. His wife d. Jan. 15, 1836, aged 29. He again m. Harriet Lamb, da. of Maj. Isaac Lamb, April 18, 1838. She was b. Nov. 13, 1819. Lucinda Ann b. June 26, 1840, (d. May 29, 1842) ; Harriet HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 213 Newhall b. May 3, 1842 ; Mary Jane, Sept. 2, 1845. His 2d wife d. Oct. 30, 1849, aged 30. He again m. Caroline Cheever, da. of Joseph Cheever, Jan. 6,1853. She was b. Aug. 30, 1825. Johnson Isaac, with his wife Patience from Southbor ough, 1761, purchased the west part of lot (41) bounded west on North Brookfield line, taking in a part of " John son Pond," so named from himself. He erected mills there, and d. 1768 or 1769. Stephen b. July 16, 1759 ; Isaac, July 17, 1761 ; Joseph, Jan. 18, 1763 ; Nathaniel, Jan 16, 1765 ; Israel, March 3, 1767. Jenks Lawrence, purchased the farm now owned by Dan iel Whittemore. He had by his wife Susannah, Mehetable b. March 5, 1767 ; David, Oct. 30, 1768; Elizabeth, Nov. 5, 1770 ; Thomas, March 23, 1773 ; Susannah, March 18, 1776; Anna, June 11, 1778; Lawrence, Sept. 29, 1780; Henry, Sept. 3, 1782 ; Jeremiah, March 18, 1785 ; Russell, Oct. 8, 1787; Philania, June 26, 1790. Mehetable m. James Lamb of Charlton, Sept. 4, 1791 ; David to Rebekah Barnes, Feb. 26, 1789 ; Thomas to Polly Rainger of Brook field ; Susannah to Ephraim Rainger, Nov. 12, 1795. Mr. Jenks removed to Belchertown, d. about 1819. Jenks Isaac, brother to the above, came to Spencer about 1775, and kept the public house long known as the " Jenks tavern." He was representative for the years 1785, 86, 87, and 88. Has been selectman and assessor. Lydia b. Jan. 16, 1771 ; Michael, Aug. 16, 1773; Hannah, March 16, 1776; John, Aug. 16, 1778; Isaac, Dec. 28, 1783; Cynthia, July 6, 1786, (died July 20, 1811); Otis, June 13, 1789, (died Aug. 18, 1797) ; Mary, Jan. 2, 1792 ; Lydia m. Ezekiel Baxter, Dec. 5, 1790 ; Michael to Sarah Hunt, March 2, 1797 ; Mary to Willard Rice, Jan. 25, 1817 ; Hannah died unmarried, Jan. 26, 1850, aged 73. Mr. Jenks d. Sept. 27, 1818. His wife Ruth d. Jan. 3, 1833, aged 85. 19 214 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Jenks John, s. of the above, m. Olive Rice, da. of Peter Rice, Oct. 17, 1807. Edward b. Aug. 26, 1808 ; Otis Dex ter, Dec. 8,1810; John, March, 1815 ; George, April 12, 1819. His wife d. Sept. 3, 1819. He m. Roxana Watson, Aug. 1820. Olive b. Aug. 20, 1823. Mr. Jenks d. Sept. 25, 1823. Jenks Isaac, jun. m. Dolly Loring, 1816. Theodore b. April 18, 1817 ; Isaac, Feb. 4, 1819 ; Daniel Loring, April 20, 1820 ; , Dec. 26, 1821. Mr. Jenks was postmaster, selectman, ten years in succession. Removed to the state of New York ; deceased. Jones Asa, Doct. m. Lucy Dunbar, Dec. 22, 1814. Mary W. b. Sept. 9, 1817 ; Eliza, May 7, 1819; Asa T. Aug. 17, 1820; Erastus, Sept. 11, 1825; Lucy D. Aug. 2, 1828. Mary m. Rev. Gideon Johnson of Haverhill, May 21, 1841. Eliza m. Warren H. Dunton, May 9, 1844. Doct. Jones was from Charlton. He d. Oct. 22, 1831, aged 44. Mrs. Jones d. July 27, 1844, aged 54. Jones Asa T., son of the above, m. Persis Guilford, da. of Doct. Jonas Guilford, April 27, 1845. Asa T. b. Feb. 22, 1856. Jones Erastus, brother of the above, m. Mary E. Starr of Thomaston, Me., June 5, 1850. Lucy Isabella, b. July 3, 1852 ; Julia Francis, Jan. 5, 1856. Jones Eli, brother to Doct. Asa, m. Elizabeth Drury, da. of Benjamin Drury, Esq., Nov. 3, 1816. Lydia L. b. Oct. 15, 1817 ; Elizabeth L. Jan. 15, 1821 ; Hannah Miriam, Aug. 15, 1825. Lydia L. m. Elisha F. Witt, June 30, 1835, Elizabeth to Marshall Pierce of Worcester, April 20, 1847 ; Hannah to Tilson J. Sanderson, Aug. 30, 1848. Mr. Jones d. Oct. 9, 1855, aged 66. Marshall Pierce d. Dec. 15, 1855, aged 35. Jones Phineas, from Charlton, m. Lucy Baldwin da. of Maj. Asa Baldwin, Oct. 19, 1786. Jeremiah b. March 7, 1788; Reuel, Dec. 27, 1789, (perished in a snow storm, Dec. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 215 24, 1811) ; Mindwell, April 5, 1792 ; Lory, . His wife Lucy d. and he was married to Hannah Phillips of Stur bridge, April 22, 1798. Silas b. Jan. 18, 1799 ; Eleanor, July 6, 1807, (died Feb. 11, 1834, at Norwich, Conn, aged 22) ; Louisa Ann b. Jan. 16, 1810 ; Mariah, April 21, 1816, (died Aug. 28, 1834, aged 18) ; Phineas b. April 18, 1819. Mindwell m. Col. Joseph Sargent of Leicester, April 15, 1818 ; Phineas m. Emeline B. Lamb, da. of Austin Lamb, June 4, 1844. Mr. Jones was a soldier in the war of the revolution, has been selectman, and representative, and d. April 27, 1850, aged 84. His wife Hannah d. Feb. 14, 1841, aged 68. Johnson Benjamin. Capt. Johnson was an early settler in Leicester, and removed from that town to Spencer in 1747, and settled on part of lot 21, and built a house which is yet standing, now owned by Lewis Hill. While in Lei cester he filled many honorable stations, and the first year of the incorporation of Spencer, 1753, he was chosen mod erator, town clerk, treasurer, selectman, and assessor. His children by his wife Rebekah were, Rebekah, b. May 4, 1719 ; Esther, May 8, 1721 ; Mary, April 30, 1724 ; Abigail, Dec. 15, 1726. Rebekah m. David Lynde of Leicester, May 1, 1740 ; their children were Johnson, b. July 8, 1741 ; Esther, b. ; Johnson Lynde m. Abigail White ; Esther to Maj. William White, brother to Abigail. Mary Johnson m. Samuel Bemis jun. Nov. 11, 1742 ; Abigail Johnson m. John Prouty, Oct. 9, 1745. Capt. Johnson d. Jan. 23, 1771. His widow, who practised midwifery successfully many years, died about 1781, aged more than eighty years. Knapp David, in 1747, settled on the north part of lot 22, afterwards owned by Thomas White, now owned by David Bemis and the heirs of Lewis Bemis. He was from Newton. The house was on the hill about 50 rods westerly of Moose Pond. He afterwards purchased and lived on lot 28, lately owned by Caleb M. Morse, where he died. His wife's name 216 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. was Sarah, by whom he had Anna, b. Oct. 4, 1741 ; John, May 27, 1744 ; Joseph, Oct. 16, 1745 ; David, June 30, 1750 ; Sarah, May 15, 1752 ; Enoch, July 18, 1754. His wife d. and he was m. to Mehetable Rice, Sept. 27, 1759, by whom he had Nathan, b. Sept. 29, 1760. Sarah m. James Lamb, May 4, 1775. Knapp John, s. of the above, m. Ascenath Green of Lei cester, Nov. 25, 1773. Their only children were Anna and John. Anna m. Nathaniel Cobb, April 10, 1792. Mr. Knapp d. June 22, 1809, aged 65. His widow and son re moved from Spencer. Knapp Enoch, brother of the above, m. Lydia Bemis, da. of Capt. Edmund Bemis, Nov. 28, 1782. David b. Sept. 14, 17S3; Nathan, Dec. 2, 1784; Lydia, March 31, 1786; Enoch, Feb. 2, 1788; Samuel, Jan. 4,1790; Anna, May 7, 1793 ; Sally, Dec. 14, 1794 ; Silas, Feb. 20, 1798 ; Lucy, Aug. 28, 1799 ; William, April 3, 1801 ; Lucinda, June 11, 1803. Mr. Knapp d. Aug. 13, 1811, aged 57, and the family removed to the State of Maine. The farm now owned by Austin Lamb. Knight William, from Sudbury, blacksmith, m. Beulah Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior, July 7, 1774. William b. Jan. 5, 1775 ; Lucretia, July 5, 1776 ; Olive, July 14, 1778 ; Reuben, May 28, 1781 ; John, Jan. 25, 1783 ; Elliot, Nov. 9, 1784 ; Polly, Dec. 14, 1786 ; Sally, Jan. 4, 1789 ; Isaac, Jan. 21, 1791 ; Nancy, May 14, 1793 ; Beulah, Jan. 15, 1796; Betsey, . His wife d. Oct. 25, 1803, and he m. Mrs. Elizabeth Chase, April 28, 1805. Thomas E. b. April 2, 1806. Mr. Knight d. July 25, 1818. William Knight jun. m. Abigail Howland, da. of John Howland, May 20, 1798 ; Lucretia to Isaac Blanchard of Charlton, Dec. 3, 1797; Olive to Jacob AVatson, Sept. 1, 1803 ; Polly to Seth Aldrich, July 22, 1804; Isaac to Ase- nath AVard, March 3, 1814. The lot where he lived is now occupied by the houses of Francis Adams and Mrs. Laurinda Sadler. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 217 Kittredge Elijah, m. Lydia Watson, June 14, 1792. Nancy b. Aug. 6, 1793, (died Oct. 5, 1796) ; Elijah b. Oct. 10, 1795 ; Lucinda, Aug. 1, 1799 ; Amos, Feb. 10, 1802 ; Watson, May 7, 1804 ; Mary Ann, July 28, 1806 ; Jacob, March 3, 1808. Mr. Kittredge d. Oct. 13, 1828, aged 59. His wife d. Jan. 10, 1828, aged 58. Kittredge Elijah jun. m. Elizabeth Garfield, da. of Jo seph Garfield senior, April 17, 1822. Mary Ann b. April 13, 1823 ; Martha Ann, Dec. 26, 1824; Elijah Mirick, Aug. 7, 1829 ; Hiram Augustus, June 4, 1832 ; Edward Everett, Jan. 12, 1836. Martha Ann m. Abner Howland, 1845. Hiram Augustus d. Nov. 14, 1853, aged 21. Kittredge Amos, brother to the above, m. Betsey Bush, da. of William Bush, March 8, 1826. His wife Betsey d. May 11, 1856, aged 52. Lamond Archibald, settled on the north part of lot 18 as early as 1732. The farm now owned by the heirs of Ed mund Newton, and the heirs of Elisha Prouty. He was born in Scotland 1677 ; it is not known when he came to Amer ica ; but he came from AVorcester to Spencer. He d. April 4, 1771, aged 94. His wife Margaret d. Sept. 5, 1775, aged 88. His children were John, Robert, Archibald, Anna, Ruth and Elizabeth. Robert d. Aug. 7, 1753, aged 30 ; John d. 1755. Anna m. to Thomas Harmon of Rutland, Nov. 13, 1744. He was a celebrated surveyor, and assisted in allofing a great part of Rutland. Ruth m. Arthur Fur- bush of Rutland, June 30, 1749. Elizabeth in. Daniel Gray, of Pelham, Aug. 18, 1752. Lamb Jonathan, said to be a descendant of Col. Joshua Lamb, one of the proprietors of Leicester and Spencer, made the fourth settlement in this town. He had been a Lieu tenant, and was always so called, and came on to lot (27) in 1726 or 1727. The lot is now owned by Thomas G. Kingsbury, Willard Howe and others. His children by his wife Lydia, Jonathan, Joshua, Dorothy and John, who was 19* 218 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. b. March 5, 1727. Lieut. Lamb was a man of some influ ence, and highly respected in the community. He d. in 1749. He is the ancestor of all of the name of Lamb of this town, now or formerly living here. Lamb Jonathan, jun. m. Elizabeth Richardson of Leices ter, in 1737. He settled on lot (28) and built ahouse where Joseph Wheat lately lived, and d. April 9, 1760, aged 46. His wife m. a Mr. Nichols, and d. June 21, 1780, aged 62, Her children, Ruth, b.Dec. 28, 1737 ; David, Dec. 14, 1739; Jonathan, July 3, 1742; Nathan, Nov. 3, 1744; Thomas, April 13, 1747 ; James, . Ruth m. Luke Converse. Lamb David, s. of Jonathan jun. m. Mary. Howe of Rut-- land, Dec. 25,. 1760. Jonathan b- Sept, 16, 1762 ; Lucretia, March 31, 1764 ; Elijah, Sept. 9, .1765 ; Joel, May 1, 1767 ;, William, Nov. 17, 1770 ; Mary, June 3, 1772. His wife d. and he m. Jemima Rice,, Nov. 6, 1773. David b. July 1, 1776; Nathan, Aug. 1, 1779 ; Asahel, May 6, 1782; Alvan, Oct. 23, 1786; Austin, March 31, 1790; Lucinda, July. 27, 1792. Mr. Lamb d. April 26, 1814, aged 74. Lucre tia m. Eber Howland, Feb. 17, 1791 ; William m. Polly Pratt, April 14, .1791 ; Nathan to Huldah Adams, March 21, 1802; Lucinda to Waite AVheelock of Charlton, Dec. 18, 1817. Asahel d. Oct. 2, 1808,, aged 26; David d. I860,; aged 84. Lamb Alvan, son of David, had with his wife Lucy, Hannah Craige b. July 31, 1822; Andrew Jackson, June 12,1824; Cornelia Augusta, Jan, 1, 1827. Alvan Lamb had a Colonel's commission, was a card manufacturer, lived on the homestead where his nephew, Silas Lamb, now lives. Lamb Austin, s. of David, m. Nancy AVilson, da. of Da- ' vid Wilson, 1811. , Asahel b. Sept. 24, 1812 ; David AVilson, May 3, 1815; Lydia Maria, Jan. 22, 1819 ; Cynthia, Aug. 14, 1821; Emeline, Feb. 12, 1824; Charles, March 14, 1826. Mrs. Lamb d. Sept. 13, 1828, aged 36. Again m. Mrs. Melissa Baxter, widow of Isaac Baxter, Oct. 14, 1830. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 219 Lamb Joshua, s. of Jonathan senior, m. Sarah AVilson, da. of Dea. James AVilson, March 19, 1741. He had a part of his father's estate, and built the house now owned by Thomas G. Kingsbury. Joshua b. July 3, 1741; Samuel, July 4, 1743 ; David, May 24, 1745 ; Sarah, Aug. 24, 1747 ; Mary, Aug. 8, 1749 ; Lydia, April 8, 1752 ; Benjamin, April 27, 1754; Jonas, June 24, 1755. Lamb Samuel, s. of Joshua, m. Elizabeth Davis of Oxford, April 16, 1766. They had Leonard, Edward, Josiah Quincy, and Joshua, who now lives in Leicester. Capt. Samuel Lamb, lived in Charlton until the latter part of his life, when he removed to Spencer, and d. where Nathan White lately lived. Lamb Sarah, da. of Joshua, m. Isaac Rice of Sudbury, Jan. 14, 1771. Lamb David, s. of Joshua, m. Sarah Clark, da. of Mathias Clark, Sept. 2, 1767. Lamb Jonas, s. of Joshua, m. Mehetable Pierce of Sud bury, May 1, 1777. Arnold, b. March 27, 1778 ; Meheta ble, JuneV, 1781 ; Saliy, March 10, 1783 ; Betsey, Dec. 12, 1784 ; Jonas, Oct. 3, 1788 ; Samuel, July 14, 1792 ; Luther Rice, June 28, 1795 ; Polly, June 20, 1797. His wife d. He again m. Mrs. Lucretia Dunbar of Leicester, Aug. 25, 1803. Mr. Lamb d, Sept. 3, 1822, aged 67. His wife Lucretia d. Aug. 3, 1841, aged 87. Lamb John, s. of Jonathan senior, m. Abigail Smith of Leicester, April 21, 1752. He first purchased and built where Nathaniel Green now lives. Afterwards purchased lot (6) where his son Maj. Isaac Lamb lately lived. James b. April 14, 1753; John, March 22 1755; Abigail, July 20, 1757 ; Nathaniel, March 22, 1760 ; Mary, July 6, 1762 ; Isaac, Dec. 30, 1764. He d. Jan. 13, 1796, aged 69. His wife d. May 7, 1799, aged 66. Lamb John, s. of John, m. Abigail Prouty, da. of John Prouty, July 1, 1784. Abigail b. Nov. 24, 1785; Achsah, 22 0 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. April 29, 1788; Betsey, March 14, 1790; Esther, Dec. 11, 1791. He removed to New Hampshire. Lamb Nathaniel, brother of the above, m. Rebekah Prouty, da. of John Prouty, Nov. 20, 1783. He removed to Langdon, New Hampshire, where his wife d. He again m. Hannah Prouty, da. of Maj. David Prouty, Jan. 22, 1795. Abigail Lamb, da. of John sen.,m. Jonas Muzzy, June 9, 1788. Mary Lamb, da. of John sen., m. David Bemis, Nov. 1, 1781. Lamb Isaac, s. of John senior, inherited the homestead, held a major's commission in the militia, was m. to Sibillah White, da. of Thomas White, Sept. 21, 1786, and the father of twenty-one children, viz : Amos b. Jan. 12, 1788, (d. Dec. 2, 1792) ; Abigail, Oct. 9, 1789, (d. Dec. 4, 1792) ; Sibil lah, March 11, 1793, (d. June 4, 1795) ; Isaac, Dec. 1, 1794, (d. June 5, 1795) ; 2d Sibillah, June 9, 1796, (d. young) ; 2d Abigail, Aug. 19, 1798; 2d Isaac, Dec. 19, 1800; Marcus, Nov. 28, 1802; Mary, Oct, 20, 1804. His wife d. He again m. Abigail AVhite, da. of Jonathan White, Oct. 7, 1807 ; John b. June 22, 1808 ; Almira A. Aug, 9, 1809 ; Charles, Nov. 18, 1812 ; Emeline, April 30, 1813 ; Horace, Nov. 8, 1814 ; Russell, May 5, 1816 ; Eliza, Dec. 23, 1817 ; Harriet, Nov. 13, 1819; Lucinda, March 11, 1822;, Nancy AVhite, Sept. 13, 1823 ; Lucius Dexter, Sept. 3, 1825 ; Otis, Sept. 26, 1828, (d. Sept 28, 1830) ; Isaac, m. Betsey Boice, April 26, 1827; Abigail to John Hamilton of Palmer, Feb. 2, 1819; Mary to Hamilton of Palmer; Almira to Wilber Allen, Nov. 4, 1830; Emeline to Wilber Allen, 2d wife, Jan. 16, 1838 ; Eliza to George S. Bond of Leicester, April 19, 1838 ; Harriet to Nathan Hersey, April 30, 1838 ; Lucinda to William M. Boyden, Feb. 9, 1843 ; Nancy AV. to Erastus Sanderson, Nov. 22, 1843 ; Lucius D. to Julia A. Town, 1848. His wife Abigail d. Aug. 18, 1839, aged 53. He again m. Abiah Allen, widow of Alvan Allen, Oct. 20, 1842. Major Lamb d. April 20, 1853, aged 88. His wife Abiah d. Nov. 26, 1851, aged 71. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 221 Luther Robert, and his wife Mehetable, had Robert, b, Dec. 1768 ; Thomas, May 9, 1770: Wilber, Oct. 24, 1771; Sylvester, June 7, 1773; Cromwell and Martin (twins) b. Dec. 26. 1776: Mehetable, July 27, 1785; Betsey, March 5, 1788. He d. Aug. 15. 1820, aged 91. His wife d. Dec 25.1831. Thomas Luther m. Olive Adams. July 5. 1795. He d. June 4, 1804, aged 34. Mehetable ro. Elias Hall, Nov. 28. 1805 : Betsey m. Warren Livermore. April 12, 1812. Wilber d. Nov. 1800. aged 29 ; Cromwell d. Nov. 1794, aged 18 ; Martin d. Nov. 1796. aged 20. Luther Sylvester, m. Catharine Howe. da. of Elijah Howe senior. Dec 1. 1803. Elijah b. Oct. 4, 1804; Catha rine, March 6. 1806; Laura, Nov. 9. 1808 : Sylvester and Mehetable (twins,) b. April 22. 1811; Robert. Aug. 22, 1817 : Martin. Aug. 7, 1820. Eliza m. Jabez Green. April 10,1827: Catharine ni. Arad L. Draper. Jan. 21. 1808; Mehetable m. Lory 8. Watson, Feb. 23, 1837. Luiher Sylvester, jun.. m. Sarah E Sadler, da. of Stephen Sadler. Sept. 9. 1837. Catharine b. Sept. 7, 1838 ; Henry Waldo. Oct. 27. 1841. Livermore Moses, from Weston, came on to lot 77. now owned by George Wilson. He was a patriot of the revolu tion, one of the committee of correspondence, and one of the majority of grand jurors, at the Supreme Judicial Court holden at Worcester, in April. 1774. who signed a declara tion and presented it to the Court, stating that they should not proceed to business if Chief Justice Oliver, who was a tory, should sit on the bench and preside. Judge Oliver, however, did not appear, and the jury discharged their duty. He had by his wife Sarah. Isaac, b. June 11. 1752 ; Sarah, July 21. 1754: Moses. ; Hannah. Nov. 21. 1760; Amos, June 5, 1753. Sarah m. Jonathan Parks, April 18, 1787. Mr. Livermore d. Oct, 18. 1797, aged 69. His widow removed to the state of New York. Livermore Moses, jun. m. Mary Wilson, Nov. 22. 1781. 222 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Gardner b. July 10, 1782; Roswell, Dec. 2, 1784; Moses, Feb. 27, 1787 ; Warner, March 25, 1789 ; Polly, Dec. 12, 1793 ; Clary, March 15, 1795 ; Charles, July 22, 1797 ; Russell, Sept. 28, 1799 ; Brigham, Oct. 3, 1806. Gardner m. Sally Lamb, Feb. 23, 1804; Roswell m. Mary McNall, Aug. 1813. Mr. Livermore and family, except AVarner, re moved to the state of New York. Livermore Warner, s. of the above, m. Betsey Luther, da. of Robert Luther, April 12, 1812. Elizabeth, b. Aug. 29, 1814; Diantha, April 22, 1819 ; Julia, Sept. 16, 1822; Mehetable, March 14, 1825. Livermore Amos, s. of Moses senior, m. Catharine Sar gent of Leicester, 1790. Lucinda b. March 1,1791; Bet sey, Nov. 15, 1792; Simeon, May 15, 1794; Obadiah, March 8, 1796; Eunice, May 18, 1800; Jonathan Sargent, June 2, 1802; Catharine, Aug. 7, 1805 ; Harriet, July 15, 1807; Hannah Allen, Feb. 4, 1811; Morris, May 4, 1813. Lucinda m. Asa AVilson, April 23, 1809. Mr. Amos Liver more d. Oct. 1827, aged 64. Livermore Abijah, brother to Moses senior, was Lieu tenant under Capt. Mason, who commanded tbe company of minutemen who marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775. He came on to lot 76, now owned in part by AVilliam Henry. He had by his wife Anna, Ezra, b. Feb. 13, 1762; Anna, Nov. 17, 1763 ; Abijah, Feb. 22, 1766 ; Lot, June 6, 1768; Martha, Nov. 11, 1772; Phineas, March 25, 1775; Phebe, Oct, 20. 1777; Jesse, Feb. 9, 1780. His wife d. Oct. 4, 1793, aged 53. He again m. Mrs. Sarah Howe of Rutland, 1795. He d. Jan. 18, 1817. Livermore Phineas, s. of the above, ra. Polly Lacky, Jan. 4. 1793. Cynthia b. June 11, 1798; Rufus, Nov. 29, 1800 ; Lucretia, Aug. 1, 1805 ; Polly, Sept. 12, 1808 : Jo sephus, Nov. 18, 1811 ; Elmira, Nov. 4, 1813 ; James Mad ison, Nov. 29, 1815. Removed to New York. Livermore Joseph, Capt., brother to Moses senior, came HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 223 on to the westerly part1 of lot 77, about 1762. He was an officer in the war of the revolution, and a lieutenant at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was m. to Anna Rice of Sud bury, Nov. 10, 1763. Anna b. Sept. 10, 1764 ; Reuben, May 9, 1768 ; Joseph, Aug. 20, 1775. His wife died ; again m. to Martha Maynard of East Sudbury, June 15, 1786. Removed to Sudbury. The farm now owned by the heirs of Amos AVilson and David Gates. Livermore James, brother of Moses senior, with his wife Elizabeth, owned the farm which he sold to Benjamin Drury, Esq., and which is now divided between many persons. His children were Eunice, James, Anna, and Elisha. Eunice m. Reuben Underwood ; Anna to Johnson Prouty, April 5, 1774; Mr. Livermore d. April 30, 1801. His wife d. Aug. 7, 1798. Livermore James, jun., m. Molly Barton, May 20, 1781. Aaron b. March 31, 1782 ; Sally, July 6, 1785 ; James, Nov. 7, 1789; John, Nov. 17, 1793. Livermore Elisha, s. of James senior, m. Rebekah Ham mond, June 15, 1786. Susy, b. May, 2, 1787. Livermore David, from Leicester, settled on the south erly part of lot 59, about 1770. He m. Anna Haywood of Holden, the farm now owned by John Phillips and son. Ab igail b. Oct. 27, 1772; David, April 14, 1774; Mary, Feb. 20, 1778; John, May 19, J 780; William, Aug. 19, 1783; Walton, June 15, 1786 ; Anna, Aug. 3, 1789. His wife d. June 12, 1794. He again m. Mrs. Mary Osborne of Holden, sister to his former wife, Nov. 17, 1796. Eliza b. Jan. 19, 1798; Melissa, Feb. 6, 1800; Melinda ; Lorenzo Os borne, April 29, 1804. Mr. Livermore d. Dec. 13, 1818. His wife Mary d. Jan. 5, 1842, aged 80. Abigail m. Paul Sibley, Oct. 16, 1796; Mary to William Bigelow of Brook field, April 20, 1797 ; Anna to James Green, July 3, 1825 ; Melinda to Benjamin H. Brewer, Oct. 1823 ; Melissa to Isaac Baxter, May 1, 1803. 224 history of spenceb. Livermore David, jun. m. Betsey Watson, d. of James Watson, June 12, 1802. AVinthrop b. July 21, 1804 ; Lo renzo, June 18, 1809; Elizabeth, June 18, 1809; David Dexter, Aug. 6, 1812; Calista, June 26, 1814; Elmira, March 11, 1820. Capt. David Livermore d. Oct. 15, 1852, aged 78. His wife d. Oct. 28, 1852, aged 73. Livermore AAriLLiAM, Colonel, s. of David senior, m. Sally Loring, da. of Nathaniel T. Loring, 1810. Lydia Ann, b. Sept, 11, 1811 ; Maria, June 14, 1813. His wife d. he again m. Ruth Aldrich of Uxbridge, Aug. 18, 1839. Maria, m. Leroy W. Kingman of Caroline, N. Y., April 9, 1837. Livermore AValton, s. of David senior, m. Mary AVhite, da. of Maj. William White, June 7, 1813. William AVhite, b. Sept. 16, 1814 ; John AValton, June 22, 1817, (d. June 11, 1843, aged 26) r George Henry, July 28, 1819 ; Edward, Sept, 18, 1821 ; Charles Frederick, July 4, 1824 ; Mary Eliza, March 3, 1826; Esther AVhite, April 6, 1828, (d. April 2, 1843, aged 15) ; Sarah, Nov. 28, 1830. Mary Eliza, m. George F. Grant, Feb. 22, 1853. Mr. Livermore was a merchant, justice of the peace, representative to the general court, often one of the municipal officers in the town, and d. July 13, 1835, aged 49. Livermore George H. s. of the above, m. Maria A. Wat son, da. of Otis Watson, Feb. 15, 1849. George Walton, b. Feb. 1, 1850; Annie Jane, Aug. 22, 1852 ; Arthur Allison, Jan. 5, 1856; Frederick William, Sept 10, 1857. Mr. Livermore is a justice of the peace, town officer, and a manu facturer. Livermore Lorenzo O. s. of David senior, m. Chloe Bemis, da. of Joshua Bemis, jun. May 6, 1840. Walton, b. Feb. 23, 1841 ; Albert Sept. 3, 1843. Livermore Winthrop, s. of David jun. m. Louisa Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis, Esq. March 20, 1830. Ludden Enoch, from Braintree, county of Norfolk, was m. Ruth Spear of the same town. Betsey b. Dec. 7, 1776 ; HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 225 Enoch and David, (twins) Aug. 3, 1779 ; Mehetable, Oct. 5, 1781 ; Levi, Oct. 17, 1784 ; Ruth, May 8, 1788 ; Sally, Dec 3, 1790. His wife d. July 8, 1823 ; he m. Eunice Watson, da. of James Watson, April 19, 1826. Elizabeth, m. David Hollowell, Dec. 28, 1815 ; Daniel to Polly Cowland of Rutland, May 1819 ; Mehetable to Asa Blair of Oakham, Sept. 4, 1800 ; Ruth to Schuyler Adams of Barre, May 5, 1814 ; Sally to Asher Rice, Nov. 1826. Mr. Ludden d. Jan. 30, 1828, aged 74. His wife Eunice d. Dec. 21, 1833, aged 43. The farm owned by his grandson, D. Ludden, jun. Ludden Daniel, s. of the above, m. Polly Cowland, May 1819. Daniel b. Nov. 10, 1820 ; Harvy, June 1, 1822 ; John, March 25, 1824 ; Eli, Feb. 10, 1826 ; Manly, Oct. 26, 1828 ; Mehetable, Nov. 26, 1830 ; Charles, May 30, 1833 ; Mary, March 15, 1836. Loring Nathaniel T. m. Sarah Watson of Leicester, Aug. 8, 1776. Betsey b. May 23, 1777 ; Thomas, April 5, 1779; Daniel, June 24, 1780; Polly, April 23, 1783; Sally, June 15, 1784 ; Joseph, Oct. 16, 1785 ; Hannah, Nov. 17, 1787 ; Lydia, Dec. 7, 1789, (d. April 15, 1811) ; Dolly, Dec. 30, 1792; Theodore, Sept. 6, 1793, (d. July 11, 1810) ; John, Dec. 10, 1795. Sally m. William Livermore, 1.810; Hannah to Charles Sprague, June 16, 1813; Dolly to Isaac Jenks, Dec. 8, 1816. Mr. Loring d. Sept 28, 1817. His wife d. in Blandford, Feb. 20, 1820, interred in Spencer. The farm since owned by Jabez Green and Lewis Bergeron. . Loring Thomas, s. of the above: m. Abigail Wood, da. of Simeon AVood, 1799. Simeon b. Feb. 23, 1800. His wife d. July 9, 1802. He m. Chloe Draper, da. of Capt John Draper, Sept. 27, 1803. He d. May 10, 1805, aged 26. Lynde Johnson, m. Abigail White, May 21, 1767. Nabby b. July 19, 1768 ; Rebekah, March 31, 1770; Arad, March 13,1775; Olive, July 14, 1777. His wife d. he m. Mrs. Molly Prouty of Leicester, Jan. 10, 1796. Rebekah, m. Moses Ross of, Sterling, July 16, 1788 ; Olive to Nahum 20 226 history of spencer. Waite of Leicester. The farm now owned by Asa B. Wat son and Horace Rice. Lyon Christopher G. m. Lydia C. Brewer, d. of John Brewer jun. Dec. 17, 1833. Henry Porter b. Aug, 22, 1834 ; Emily Malona, June 4, 1886 ; John Brewer, Feb. 24, 1838. Morgan Robert, from Beverly, about 1743, and settled on the easterly part of lot (53). His house stood on land now owned by Silas Grout, on the east side of the road, near where Samuel Baldwin formerly lived. His children by his wife Hannah were Andrew, Robert and Isaac, b. in Beverly ; Israel b. in Spencer, Aug. 24, 1744; Martha, June 1, 1747. Martha m. Asa Thayer, Aug. 28, 1769. Morgan Andrew, s. of the above, with his wife Martha, had Hannah, b. Aug. 8, 1755 ; Isaac, Oct. 1, 1757 ; Andrew, Sept 4, 1760. Hannah m. Jonathan Jackson, Dec. 13, 1781. He d. June 22, 1814. Morgan Robert, s. of Robert, m. Anna Jackson, June 15, 1758. Again m. Mary Woodward, July 14, 1763. Anna, b. Sept. 17, 1763 ; Silence, Feb. 16, 1765 ; Rebekah, Oct. 12, 1766 ; Elijah, Feb. 10, 1769; Nicholas, Dec. 12, 1770; Jacob, Aug. 25, 1773 ; Anna m. Joseph Fletcher, May 28, 1790 ; Elijah to Esther Richmond of Brookfield, Feb. 1804 ; Nicholas to Sarah Baldwin, April 11, 1799; Jacob to Polly Morgan, Aug. 20, 1801. Mr. Morgan d. March 7, 1808. Morgan Isaac, s. of Robert senior, m. Abigail Tucker of Leicester, Sept. 20, 1763. William, b. Aug. 17, 1764; Margaret, July 4, 1767 ; Sarah, July 4, 1773 ; Henry Bright, Nov. 19, 1775 ; Betsey, Aug. 27, 1777 ; Lucy, Dec. 14, 1779 ; Charles, Oct. 25, 1786 ; Jeremiah, Feb. 10, 1789. Margaret m. Seth Hamilton of Brookfield, May 19, 1788. Morgan Andrew, s. of Andrew, m. Molly Tucker, Aug. 1, 1782. Mary, b. June 23, 17S3 ; Persis, Sept. 23, 1785 ; Nathan, May 20, 1791 ; Frederick, May 20, 1793 ; Roxy, Jan. 30, 1796; Susannah, Nov. 1, 1797; Rawson, Jan. 30, HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 227 1803 (d. Dec. 18, 1841, aged 38). Mr. Morgan d. Oct. 6, 1841, aged 81. Muzzy John, Esq. was a very respectable gentleman and useful member of society. He was s. of John Muzzy, inn- holder of Lexington, and was b. in that town May 10, 1714, and m. Abigail Reed, da. of AVilliam Reed, Esq. of Lexington, Nov. 11, 1736. She was b. March 30, 1720. They had fifteen children, all at single births, and all lived to years of maturity. John b. Dec. 9, 1737 ; Abigail, May 16, 1739. These two children were b. in Lexington. In 1739 he removed to Rutland, where he had Thaddeus, b. Sept. 7, 1740 ; Mary, May 20, 1742 ; Olive, Feb. 7, 1744 ; Elizabeth Bradshaw, May 2, 1746; Jonas, Jan. 2, 1748; Rebekah, May 24, 1750; Sarah, April 24, 1752. In 1752 he removed to Spencer, and purchased the farm now owned by Mr. Putnam. While here he had Bethiah, b. June 22, 1754; Lucy, June 27, 1756; Dorcas, March 19, 1758; Amos, Feb. 27, 1762; Edmund, Aug. 25, 1763; Benjamin, Aug. 14, 1765. His wife d. Feb. 18, 1766, aged 46. He again m. Mrs. Eleanor Snow, widow of Jonathan Snow, May 14, 1778. He d. Ju,ie 25, 1789, aged 75. AVhile he lived in Rutland, he was often one of the selectmen, assessor, &c, and while in Spencer he was town clerk several years, select man, assessor and representative. He was frequently em ployed as scribe in writing wills, deeds and other legal in struments. He was honored with a commission as Justice ofthe Peace by Governor Hutchinson, dated March 18, 1772, but he declined being qualified to act in the office. He was deacon in Mr. Eaton's and Mr. Pope's churches, chosen June 12, 1753, which office he held until his death. Abigail m. Thomas White, Dec. 30, 1756 ; Mary to John AVorster, Nov. 20, 1760 ; Olive, to John Stebbings, Oct. 11, 1764 ; Eliza beth Bradshaw to Jason AVright, Jan. 21, 1768 ; Rebekah to John Draper, Dec. 24, 1770; Sarah to Simeon AVood, Dec. 24, 1771 ; Bethiah to Abner Tyler of AVarren, Dec. 1, 1774 ; 228 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. Lucy to Asa Whittemore, March 2, 1775 ; Amos to Sarah Snow of Leicester ; Benjamin to Elizabeth Inglee of Vermont, Jan. 4, 1787. Thaddeus d. Aug. 12, 1759; Dorcas d. un married. Muzzy John, jun., m. Mary Ball, da. of deacon Eleazer Ball, Nov. 26, 1761. Nathan, Feb. 29, 1762 ; Molly, Sept. 1, 1764; John, Dec. 20, 1766; Lucinda, March 1, 1769; Tilly, April 7, 1771 ; Thaddeus, Aug. 14, 1773 ; Isaac, Dec. 4, 1775 ; William, May 11, 1778 ; Eli, 1780; Daniel, Sept. 2, 1782 ; Pliny, Jan. 8, 1785. His wife d. April 23, 1785; he again m. Mrs. Lucy Bartlett of Brookfield, Oct. 3, 1786. She d. Sept. 16, 1807. Mr. Muzzy was a lieutenant in the militia, town treasurer, and d. April 9, 1819, aged 82. The farm now owned by Josephus Muzzy. Nathan was educated at Dartmouth college, Molly m. Joshua Prouty, John m. Lucy Bartlett, May 29, 1788, removed to Brookfield, was a tanner by trade, a colonel and deputy sheriff. Lucinda m. Jedediah Cutler, and d. Jan. 12, 1813. Tilly, Thaddeus, and William removed to the state of New York ; Eli m. Betsey Ball, da. of Daniel Ball, April 11, 1802. She died, and he again m. Persis Prouty, da. of Asa Prouty, April 4, 1805. Removed to Wisconsin. Daniel m. Haven, and now lives in Leicester. Muzzy Isaac, s. of the above, m. Sally Ball, da. of Daniel Ball, Aug. 6, 1797. Rebekah b. May 13, 1798; Betsey, Sept. 29, 1799; Horace, Jan. 22, 1802; Isaac, July 25, 1803. His wife died, and he again m. Sally May of Brook field, Dec. 13, 1807. Muzzy Pliny, brother of the above, m. Mary Draper, da. of James Draper, Oct 11, 1807. « Edwin Augustus b. April 7, 1808 ; Mary Ann, Nov. 26, 1809 ; Lorenzo, Oct. 25, 1811 Lucinda, Aug. 18, 1813 ; James Draper, March 1, 1817 Mehetable, Feb. 22, 1819; Pliny Dwight, July 8,1821 John Bradshaw, June 18, 1824. Mr. Muzzy was captain in the militia, removed to Pennsylvania, where he was justice HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 229 of the peace. He d. Nov. 18, 1846, aged 61. His wife d. April 14, 1854, aged 69. Muzzy Jonas, s. of John senior, m. Sarah Draper, da. of Capt. Joshua Draper, May 2, 1771. Sarah b. Jan. 1, 1773 ; Jonas, April 2, 1775 ; Sardine, March 30, 1777. His wife d. and he again m. Abigail Lamb, da. of John Lamb, June 9, 1778. Abigail b. Sept. 27, 1779 ; John, May 27, 1781 ; Joseph, June 7, 1783 ; Cephas, Sept. 29, 1785; Amos, July 12, 1791 j Nancy, Sept. 29, 1793; Polly, Oct. 23,1795; Eliza, Jan. 23, 1798, (d. May 5, 1811, aged 13) ; Nathaniel L. Aug. 6, 1800 ; Franklin, Dec. 8, 1806. Jonas removed to the State of New York. Joseph m. Sally Baldwin, Oct. 16, 1806; removed to Maine; deceased. Amos removed to Maine. Nancy m. Amos AVoodard of Gardiner, Maine, April 6, 1819 ; Polly m. AVoodard, resides in Maine ; Na thaniel L. m. Abigail Loring, da. of Thomas Loring, June 24, 1824, resides, in Maine. Franklin resides in the city of Bangor, Maine. Has been a member of the house of repre sentatives, and president of the senate in Maine. Muzzy Sardine, s. of the above, m. Catharine Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis, Esq., 1806. Laura b. Nov. 27, 1806 ; Cath arine, June 6, 1810; Judith, July 6, 1814; Nancy and Eliza (twins,) Dec. 11, 1815. Mr. Muzzy has been captain of the militia in Spencer. Resides in Rutland. Muzzy Cephas, s. of Capt. Jonas, m. Nancy Guilford, 1810. William G. b. April 11, 1811; Josephus, July 25,1812; Mary Ann, April 9, 1814; Lucy and Lucretia, (twins,) Sept. 9, 1816 ; Charles, May 10, 1821 ; Nancy Guilford, Sept. 16, 1823 ; Jonas, June 7, 1826 ; Benjamin Franklin, April 20, 1828; Eliza Jane, Nov. 23, 18,30, Now resides in West Boylston. Muzzy AVilliam G. s. of Cephas, m. Ellathina Prouty, da. Major Eli Prouty, May 29, 1835. William Orlando b. Sept. 6,1836; Emerson Paine, Sept. 22, 1838 ; Lucinda Prouty, Aug. 23, 1841 ; Eleanor Mindwell b. Sept. 16, 1843 ; Sarah 20* 230 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Jane b. Nov. 1, 1845 ; Ellathina Prouty, Oct. 9, 184Q, (d. May 31, 1850); Louisa Ann b. May 1851 ; Ellathina Prouty, Aug. 20, 1853. His wife d. Nov. 2, 1853, aged 39. He again m. Rhoda C. AVilson, widow of Dexter Wilson, Jan. 25, 1854. Lowell Mason, b. Dec. 28, 1854 ; Carrie Eliza beth, Sept. 3, 1857. Muzzy Edmund, s. of John senior, m. Sarah Dwight of Leicester, Nov. 25, 1785. Sally b. June 9, 1787 ; Thomas Newhall, March 16, 1789. Sally in. Henry Eames, Nov. 26, 1807 ; Thomas N. m. Laurinda J. Bacon of Charlton, Jan. 1813, removed to the state of Ohio. Sarah, wife of Mr- Muzzy, d. May 23, 1819 ; he again m. Mrs. Jane Boyden, Feb. 10, 1820, she d. and he again m. Mrs. Lydia Bemis, widow of Joshua Bemis, May 3, 1838. Mr. Muzzy died March 8, 1850, aged 86. The farm now owned by Edward Proctor. Mason Ebenezer, Capt., was b. in Watertown March 1, 1723, and m. Elizabeth Bright of that town, Oct, 15, 1760. She was b. Aug. 11, 1734. While in AVatertown they had Ebenezer, AVilliam and Enoch. He removed to Spencer, 1764, and purchased the westerly part of lot 17, where Mary L. Bemis now lives. In 1774 he removed on to the central part of lot 22, where his grandson Joseph Mason lately lived. While in Spencer he had Elliot, b. March 23, 1766 ; Seth Feb. 25, 1768, (died young) ; Elizabeth, b. Aug. 18, 1772 ; Joseph, Dec. 15, 1774; Susannah, Sept. 9, 1777; Isaac, Feb. 5, 1782. Elizabeth m. Moses Hall, Feb. 23, 1809. Elliot Mason d. unmarried, Oct. 12, 1812, aged 46. Susan nah d. Jan. 25, 1795, aged 18. Isaac m. Asenath Prouty, May 11, 1802, removed to Nelson, New York. Capt. Mason d. March 26, 1798, aged 66. His wife d. Sept. 18, 1812, aged 78. Capt. Mason carried on the business of a tanner, kept a public house several years, and was captain of the company who marched to Cambridge, April 19, 1775. He was a very respectable gentleman, was town clerk several HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 231 years, and was a firm friend to government during the in surrection of Shays. Mason Ebenezer jun. m. Judith White da. of Capt. Josiah AVhite, Dec. 22, 1785. Ebenezer b. June 22, 1786 ; Abigail, Nov. 26, 1787 ; Judith, Feb. 9, 1790. His wife d. was again m. Sally Beers, Sept. 2, 1794 ; Sally, b. Jan. 3, 1795; Susannah, March 7, 1796; Lydia, Dec. 9, 1797; Josiah, Sept. 26, 1799 ; Betsey, Oct. 5, 1802 ; Mary, April 1, 1805. Abigail m. Doct. Augustus Paine of Granby, Feb. 25, 1808, (she d. Oct. 1, 1823, aged 36) ; Judith m. Benjamin Richardson, April 28, 1807 ; Ebenezer to Lucy Watson, da. of James AVatson, June 30, 1808 ; Sally to Adams Drury, Oct. 14, 1830; Lydia to Abraham Capen, March 3, 1825 ; Betsey to James B. AA'are of Oakham, June 4, 1827. Mr. Mason d. Aug. 29, 1846, aged 85. Mason William, brother of thc above, m. Nancy White, da. of Thomas AVhite, July 7, 1791. While in Spencer they had AVilliam, b. Nov. 15, 1791 ; Thomas, April 25, 1793. Removed to Palmer. Deceased. Mason Joseph, brother of the above, m. Elizabeth White, da. of Thomas White, March 11, 1802. Marcia b. Dec. 15, 1802; Susannah, Nov. 1, 1805; Eliza, Oct. 26, 1807; Joseph, Jan. 4, 1812. Marcia m. Thomas Pierce, April 11, 1825; Susannah to Dexter Wilson, Sept, 24,1831; Eliza to Franklin L. Abels of Cummington, Jan. 20, 1846 ; Joseph to Laurinda Morse, da. of Dea. Oliver Morse, Oct. 10, 1833, (she d. Oct. 10, 1840, aged 26). Mr. Mason d. Nov. 3, 1834, aged 60. His wife d. Nov. 19, 1842, aged 78. Mason Enoch, brother of the above, m. Elizabeth Bisco, da. of John Bisco, Esq. July 15, 1790. Enoch b. June 18, 1791; Elias, Nov. 18, 1793; Susannah, Feb. 18, 1797; John, March 1, 1799 ; Abijah Bisco, June 29, 1801 ; Elliot, . Removed to the state of New York, and d. April 1, 1845. Munroe Amos, from Lexington, m. Anna grouty, da. of 232 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Jacob Prouty, 1 768. Anna b. April 8, 1769 ; Amos, Nov. 2, 1770; Nathan, June 15, 1772 ;^Jacob Prouty, March 17, 1774; Solomon, June 17, 1776; Joshua, Jan. 6, 1780; Martin, Nov. 5, 1783 ; Joseph, May 29, 1788 ; Otis, Nov. 8, 1791. Anna m. Elijah Prouty, June 19, 1788 ; Joshua to Sarah Cutter, da. of Jedediah Cutter, Oct. 17, 1805 ; Joseph, to Elizabeth Pratt, da. of Isaac Pratt, Dec. 1, 1808. Mr. Munroe was a soldier in the revolution, aud d. Aug. 29, 1820, aged 73. His wife d. Oct. 8, 1825, aged 77. Munroe Jonathan, brother of the above, m. Ruth Prouty, da. of David Prouty senior, Oct. 19, 1769. He removed to Plainfield, where he had Lucy, Jesse, Jonas, John, Joseph, Betsey, Nabby and Ruth, when he returned to Spencer, with all his children, except the two eldest, and purchased the farm formerly owned by David and Robert Griffin, now in part owned by his son Jonathan. His wife d. July 12, 1805, aged 63 ; he again m. Sally Coggswell of Paxton, Nov. 27, 1805. By her he had a son, Jonathan, above named. Mr. Munroe d. March 6, 1825, aged 75. His wife Sally, d. 1859, aged 91. Munroe John, s. of Jonathan, m. Sarah Cunningham, da. of Robert Cunningham, Jan. 26, 1804. Sabrina, b. July 26, 1805. He d. July 28, 1806. Munroe Jonathan, jun. m. Hannah H. Boyden, Jan. 1, 1832. George Myron b. May 18, 1833 ; John AVilder, Sept. 30, 1834 ; Charles Henry, Nov. 7, 1835 ; Julia Augusta, Oct. 17, 1836; Dwight Foster, Nov. 12, 1837. May William, from Leicester, purchased the west end of lot (15). He was m. to Mary Snow of Leicester,. Aug. 13, 1741. Richard b. Dec. 4, 1743 ; David, 1745 ; Sarah, Sept. 16, 1751 ; Mary, Oct. 14, 1754. He d. 1757. Sarah m. Lemuel Green. His widow m. Jacob Stoddard for his third wife. May David, s. of the above, m. Mary Stoddard, April 5, 1764. He inherited the homestead. AVilliam, b. June 1, HISTOEY OF SPENCER. 233 1765 ; Esther, June 4, 1767 ; Samuel, Sept. 19, 1768 ; Phebe, Jan. 29, 1771; Sibbil, May 27, 1773; Amos, Oct. 16, 1775 ; Eunice, Nov. 22, 1777 ; Joel, July 6, 1780; Abi gail, Nov. 28, 1782. Mr. May unfortunately lost his whole estate by a suit at law, having fought against government in Shays insurrection. He removed to Vermont. Beceased. The farm was lately owned by Maj. Eli Prouty. May William, s. of the above, m. Polly Snow of Leicester, June 26, 1788. Polly, b. Dec. 20, 1789 ; Artemas, June 10, 1792; Asa, Jan. 25, 1794; Amasa, May 11, 1796; Eden, Jan. 30, 1798 ; Emory, June 11, 1805 ; Liberty Nel son, Sept. 20, 1810. Polly m. Luke Tower of Rutland, March 9, 1817 ; Artemas to Sally Snow, da. of James Snow, Aug. 1, 1819 ; Asa to Lydia Moulton ; Amasa and Eden born blind. Mr. May had the homestead. He d. Jan. 28, 1823, aged 57. Moulton Daniel, purchased the farm formerly owned by Joshua Draper, now by John Ludden, 1793. He was from Hopkinton, m. Lydia Pratt, from the same town. Isaac Pratt b. July 26, 1794, (d. Dec. 3, 1819, by a fall from a wagon in the road) ; Lydia, June 6, 1798 ; Elizabeth, July 22, 1800, (she was insane). Hannah, Oct. 30, 1802 ; Nancy, Feb. 3, 1805; Emeline, May 27, 1807; Chloe, Nov. 26, 1809 ; Anna, Aug. 24, 1812. Hannah m. Timothy P. Clark, Dec. 30, 1829 ; Nancy to Ansel Kenfield, Jan. 19, 1826; Chloe to Hiram Edson, Aug; 11, 1831; Anna to Joel Chafee, Aug. 24, 1832. Removed to North Brookfield. Deceased. Buried at Spencer. Marsh Tylor, from Sutton, m. Sally Sibley of the same place. Sally, b. Feb. 25, 1794, (d. Feb. 5, 1813). Fanny, May 19, 1796 ; Charlotte, July 29, 1798, (d. Feb. 7, 1813) ; Betsey, Aug. 4, 1800; Elmira, Sept. 13,1802; Augusta, Feb. 4, 1805 ; Laurinda Brigham, Sept. 23, 1810, (d. Sept. 5, 1813); Tylor, Aug. 29, 1813 ; Croydon or George B., Oct. 15, 1819. Fanny m. Lawson Savage, April 1.5, 1818; 234 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. Betsey to Charles Livermore, April 16, 1823 ; Elmira to Elias Bemis, Sept. 15, 1825 ; Augusta to AVilber Howland, May 15, 1828. Mr. Marsh d. July 17, 1843, aged 80. Morse Caleb, came from Sutton, 1788, m. Lucy Ward, and had Joseph Ward, Oliver and Caleb Moody, in Sutton. In Spencer had Mindwell, Nancy, Lucy, b. July 29, 1794 ; George Washington, Nov. 9, 1799. Mindwell m. Boaz M. Mirick, Oct. 20, 1808, and again to Eli Prouty, April 11, 1811; Nancy to Eleazer Prouty, Sept. 11, 1806; Lucy to Asa Hitchcock of Dwight, Arkansas, Aug. 29, 1829. Mr. Morse d. Dec. 8, 1826, aged 73. Morse Oliver, s. of the above, m. Lucinda Prouty, da. of Joshua Prouty, Dec. 10, 1812. Laurinda b. March 9, 1814 ; Joseph AVard, March 24, 1816; Caroline, Aug. 26,1818; Nancy Maria, May 16, 1822. Caroline m. Samuel Barnes, Nov. 8, 1838 ; Laurinda to Joseph Mason, Oct. 10, 1833. Mr. Morse has been one ofthe selectmen, lieutenant in the militia, and deacon of the Congregational church. Morse Caleb M. s. of Caleb, m. Polly Bemis, da. of David Bemis, Oct. 7, 1813. He had the homestead. Lately re moved to the Central Village. Morse Joseph AV. s. of Oliver, m. Mary L. Bemis, da. of Isaac Bemis, Oct. 31, 1843. George Moody.b. Aug. 7, 1844 ; Laurinda AV., March 21, 1846; Mary Rebecca, Aug. 26, 1852 ; Harlan Page, July 22, 1855 ; Henry Oliver, Oct. 18, 1857. He died Nov. 10, 1860. Moor Thomas, m. Rebekah Harrington. Thomas b. July 25, 1771 ; Antipas Holland, Oct. 7, 1776 ; Polly, Nov. 4, 1779 ; Ruth, March 5, 1782; AVelcome, May 4, 1786 ; Lucy, . Removed to Chesterfield. Farm now owned by Elliot Hall. Newhall John, Capt., from Maiden, m. Dorothy Newhall of Leicestor, 1741. In 1743 he came into possession of the north part of lot 61, now owned by Paul Sibley, and the next year purchased the remainder of the lot, where his son Allen, and grandson Reuben Newhall afterwards lived. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 235 Allen b. July 3, 1743 ; John, Nov. 26, 1745 ; Betsey, March 14,1748; Sarah, June 30, 1751; David, Feb. 11, 1754; Mercy, March 6, 1756 ; Phebe, Feb. 5, 1759. Newhall Allen, s. of the ahove, m. Rebekah Bemis, da. of Samuel Bemis, jun., July 2, 1765. Mary b. Oct. 30, 1767; Reuben, March 18, 1770; John, July 1, 1772; Re bekah, Jan. 16, 1777 ; David, July 21, 1779 ; Betsey, Nov. 1, 1781 ; Dolly . His wife d. and he again m. Dolly Bemis, d. of Jonas Bemis senior. Samuel b. July 31, 1792. Betsey m. Amos Wilson, Jan. 9, 1802 ; Dolly to Francis Adams, Jan. 15, 1806. Newhall Reuben, s. of the above, m. Sarah Bemis, da. of Jonas Bemis senior, March 4, 1790. Phebe b. Jan. 20, 1791 ; Rebekah, Dec. 19, 1793, (died June 26, 1816) ; Polly b. March 4, 1796, (died July, 1817) ; Otis, Jan. 27, 1797 ; Reuben, Feb. 9, 1800; Sukey, Oct. 13,1803; Sally, July 17, 1805. Sally m. Elisha Todd, Sept. 20, 1826, and died July 31, 1832, aged 27. Mr. Newhall died 1859, aged 89. His' wife died 1858, aged 88. Newton Edmund, m. Sally Britton. She died, he again m. Mrs. Sarah Goodell of Rutland, April 1820. Mary Fiske b. March 25, 1821, (d. May 25, 1824). His wife Sarah d. July 22, 1826, aged 50, and he again m. Emelia Prouty, da. of Joseph Prouty, 1827. Edmund Fiske b. July 5, 1828 ; James Draper b. July 25, 1830. Mr. Newton d. May 17, 1854, aged 90. Newton Ezekiel, brother of the above, m. Catharine Coggswell of Paxton. Azubah b. Jan. 30, 1779 ; Lucy, Oct. 17, 1781; Catharine, June 14, 1783; Eunice, May 26, 1785 ; Ezekiel, Jan. 25, 1787 ; Emery, Aug. 22, 1789 ; Ty lor, April 19, 1792, (d. Nov. 11, 1802) ; Samuel, Sept. 2, 1794, (d. Nov. 12, 1802) ; Louis, June 5, 1797, (d. Nov. 16, 1802) ; Alice, Nov. 5, 1799, (d. Nov. 12, 1802) ; Edmund, March 20, 1802, (d. Nov. 15, 1802) ; Loallis,Feb. 11, 1804; Tylor, , Azubah m. William Perham, Dec. 23, 1801 ; Lucy 236 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. to Junia Allen, Oct. 10, 1804 ; Eunice to William Britton, May 5, 1805 ; Catharine to Henry Rixford, March 27, 1825. Ormes John, from AVatertown, purchased part of lots 49 and 65 in 1732. His house was on the hill west of George Bemis's. He had three sons, John, Jonathan, and James. John removed to Providence, R. I. Jonathan lived on the farm now owned by Warner Livermore. He had by his wife Elizabeth, Jonathan, b. Oct. 7, 1745 ; Eliza beth, Dec. 10, 1747. His wife d. and he m. Hannah Can ada, Sept. 1748. His wifed. May 19, 1785, aged 100 years 5 months and 9 days, b. 1684. Ormes James, Doct., s. of the above, (has been noticed in another place,) m. Tabitha AVright, of Framingham, 1742. Rebekah b. 1744 ; Mary, 1746 ; James, 1748 ; Tabitha, 1751. He d. 1785, aged 75. Ormes James, jun., m. Sarah Harrington of Brookfield. James b. April 11, 1770; Elijah, Aug. 24, 1771; Sarah, May 6, 1774. James m. Sally Underwood, da. of deacon Reuben Underwood, Nov. 26, 1797. Mr. Ormes received the homestead, was a deputy sheriff. Parmenter Nathaniel, from Sudbury, came on to the south part of lot 77, in 1751 or 1752 ; his house was in the lot southwest of George AVilson's. He had by his wife Su sannah, Jacob, b. July 26, 1752 ; Nathaniel, May 12, 1754; Susannah, July 4, 1756. His wife d. and he m. Mary Stebbings, widow of Capt. John Stebbings, June, 1757, by whom he had Nathan, b. March 1, 1758. She proved to be an uncomfortable wife. It is related of him, that coming from his labor in the field to his house on a sultry day, fa tigued and thirsty, and in a high state of perspiration, he descended by the way of a trap door into his cellar for drink. His wife closed the door upon him, placing herself and linen wheel upon the door, there sat spinning very complacently, until she might finish her stint. In vain did he call upon her to release him from his gloomy prison — in vain did he HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 237 urge that his health was endangered by the unwholesome damps of the cellar. Nor had promises or threats any better effect in moving the heart of his dear spouse ; prayers, threats and complaints, all being drowned in the busy hum of her spinning wheel. After being kept in this unpleasant situation for some hours, he was kindly released by the in terposition of .a neighbor, when the husband very ungal- lantly administered to her a severe castigation. Believing the French and Indians to be less formidable foes than those of his own household, he immediately entered the army, from which he never returned, but there died, 1759. The Family of Prouty. This name is the most numer ous of any in Spencer, and derive their ancestry from Rich ard Prouty, who lived in Scituate as early as 1667. Isaac Prouty, son of Richard, was m. to Elizabeth Merrit in 1710, by whom he had a numerous family of children, of whom six sons', viz : Jacob, David, John, Adam, James and Isaac, and one daughter, Elizabeth, removed to Spencer. ProutY Jacob, s. of Isaac above mentioned, m. Ann Capen, da. of Samuel Capen, Dec. 8, 1741. He was b. May 14, 1715. In 1740, he purchased the north-east part of lot (23) and built a house which stood in the lot, about half a mile easterly of the house of the late Eli Prouty, and where the remains of his cellar may still be seen. Deborah, b. Oct. 19, 1742 ; Phebe, July 23, 1744 ; Lydia, June 4, 1747 ; Anna, Nov. 22, 1748; Samuel, Jan. 19, 1750; Jacob, April 11,1752; Hannah, Aug. 15,1754; Caleb, Sept. 7,1756; Joshua, May 18, 1759 ; Nathan, Oct. 22, 1761 ; Mercy, Sept. 14, 1763. Deborah m. John Bisco, Esq. May 10,' 1764; Phebe to Maj. Peter Harwood of Brookfield, May 25, 1763 ; Lydia to Silas Stevens of Brookfield, June 29, 1765 ; Anna to Amos Munroe, Dec. 1, 1768 ; Jacob to Rachel Eddy, Sept. 29, 1774 ; Mercy to Buckminster White, April 8, 1784. Prouty Jacob, jun. had with his wife Rachel, while in Spencer, Abijah b. April 12, 1775. 21 238 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. Prouty Joshua, s. of Jacob senior, m. Molly Muzzy, da. of John Muzzy, June, 1781. Anna, b. March 30, 1782 ; Gardner, Feb. 16, 1784; Abijah, Feb. 16, 1786- Polly- Dec 24, 1787 ; Fanny, Aug. 15, 1789 ; Ebenezer, Oct. 10, 1791 ; Lucinda, Nov. 11, 1793 ; Joshua, Feb. 6, 1796 ; John, March 10, 1800; William, Dec. 15, 1803 ; Sophia, June 30, 1805 ; Winthrop, Nov. 23, 1808. Polly, m. John Brewer; Fanny to Daniel Whittemore ; Lucinda to Oliver Morse. Prouty Gardner, s. of the above, m. Ruth Howe, da. of Joel Howe, 1807. Eliza b. March 30, 1808 ; Marcia, June 13, 1810; Alanson, Dec. 23, 1812; Carlos, Feb. 4, 1815; Gardner, Sept. 4, 1817 ; Nancy, Aug. 13, 1822 ; Hannah Augusta, Sept. 20, 1827. Mr. Prouty d. May 7, 1828, aged 44. Prouty Joshua, jun. m. Mary Bannister, 1828. Merrick Franklin, b. March 27, 1829 ; Millins Frederick, Dec. 25, 1830; Milton Fields, Jan. 26, 1836; Joshua Bannister, April 13, 1842. Joshua Prouty, senior, d. March 24, 1838, aged 79. His wife d. June 6, 1837, aged 73. Prouty Nathan, s. of Jacob, m. Patience Converse, da. of Luke Converse, 1784. Lydia b. Dec. 2, 1784 ; Debby, Aug. 28, 1787 ; Jacob, Nov. 5. 1789 ; Judith, Dec. 14, 1791, (d. Nov. 28, 1807) ; Asaph b. March 5, 1793 ; Anna, Feb. 23, 1795; Nathan, Nov. 18, 1796; Varney, Sept. 1, 1798; Harvy, April 20, 1800 ; Luke, May 8, 1802; Dwight, June 11, 1804; Royal, Nov. 27, 1805; Clarissa, Sept. 7, 1807 ; Elias, April 17, 1809. Lydia m. Abel Prouty of Marlbor ough, Vermont, Nov. 9,1809; Debby or Deborah to Isaac Tomblin, July 7, 1805, (she d. Dec. 23, 1839, aged 52) ; Anna to Ezra Dunn, May 4, 1817. Prouty Asaph, m. Lucy Cutter, da. of Jedediah Cutter, Sept. 5, 1817. Abigail b. Aug. 19, 1818 ; George, Aug. 7, 1820. She d. Feb. 20, 1823, aged 26. He again m. Mar tha Goodnow, June 26, 1823. Lorenzo b. March 22, 1824 ; Nathan Converse, June 11, 1826. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 239 Prouty Harvy, s. of Nathan, ni. Lydia Watson, da. of Henry AVatson, Esq. Jan. 26, 1826. Melinda Watson b. Nov. 15, 1826; Nathan Henry, Dec. 23,1829; Cheney Potter, Jan. 29, 1S32. Prouty Hannah, da. of Jacob senior, m. Charles Rouse. She died Sept, 13, 183S, aged S3. Prouty David, brother of Jacob senior, b. 1716, pur chased a part of lot (23) now owned by Isaac Stearns, and the same year, 1739, m. Elizabeth Smith. David b. Nov. 27, 1739 ; Elizabeth, Aug. 27, 1741 ; Ruth, Sept. 12, 1743 ; Mary, May 21, 1745 ; Sarah, March 10, 1747 ; Jesse, March' 13, 1749; Asa, Feb. 1751; Lucy, Feb. 26, 1753; Bulah, March 27, 1755; Olive, May 27, 1757; Rhoda, May 17, 1759 ; Lucretia, 1761. He d. Dec 29, 1767, aged 51. His wife d. April 24, 1789. Prouty David, s. of the above, m. Hannah Ball, da. of Dea. Eleazer Ball, Nov. 27, 1761. Hannah b. Sept. 17, 1764; David, Aug. 19, 1772; Sally, Nov. 14, 1779; Elea zer, Sept. 28, 1783. Hannah m. Nathaniel Lamb of Lang don, N. Hampshire, Jan. 22, 1795 ; Sally to Jonathan Hall, Dec. 1, 1S03. Mr. Prouty was a soldier in the war with France, a captain in the war of the revolution, a major in the militia, for many years one of the selectmen and assessor. He d. Aug. 25, 1814, aged 75. His wife d. Jan. 28, 1827, aged 85. Prouty Davld, s. of the above, m. Abigail Bisco, da. of John Bisco, Esq. Nov. 7, 1799. David, Oct, 18, 1813. Mr. Prouty had been a selectman many years, a representative to the general court. He had the homestead, and d. June 20, 1S45, aged 73. His wife d. April 22, 1846, aged 69. Prouty Eleazer, brother of the above, m. Nancy Morse, da. of Caleb Morse, Sept. 11, 1806. Lucy b. May 25, 1808 ',- Matilda, April 10, 1811 ; Joseph Ward, Nov. 20, 1813, (d. April 8, 1833, aged 19); Nancy b. Dec. 9, 1815; Edward, March 19, 1818; John, March 17, 1820. Mr. Prouty d. 240 history of spencer. June 24, 1820, aged 37. His wife d. April 9, 1838, aged 53. Matilda m. William Bemis, 2d, Dec. 8, 1831. Nancy- to William Duncan of Paxton, May 10, 1838. Prouty David, s. of David the 3d, m. Caroline Guilford, da. of Doct. Jonas Guilford, Jan. 14, 1840. Jonas Guilford b. Sept. 21, 1744. Prouty Asa, s. of David senior, m. Lydia Livermore of Leicester. Aaron b. April 11, 1776; Asa, Dec. 14, 1777; Persis, Oct. 22, 1779 ; Jonas, Aug. 28, 17 A ; Joel, Feb. 5, 1784. His wife d. Oct. 19, 1784. He again m. Tabitha Ormes, da. of Doct. James Ormes, Sept 29, 1785 ; Nancy, b. Oct. 30, 1786; Tilly, May 25, 1791. Persis m. Eli Muzzy, April 4, 1805 ; Joel to Elizabeth Gates, da. of Sylvanus Gates, Aug. 10, 1806 ; Nancy to Thomas Snow of Leicester, Jan. 10, 1813. (Mr. Snow d. Dec. 17, 1827, aged 40.) Mr. Prouty received 'the homestead. He d. March 10, 1826, aged 75. Prouty John, brother to Jacob senior, b. 1718, and m. Abigail Johnson, da. of Capt. Benjamin Johnson, Oct. 1745. He also settled on part of lot (21), where he built a saw and grist mill, on Seven Mile River, now owned by Cheney Snow. Benjamin b. Oct. 1, 1746; John, Jan. 4,1749; Isaac, Dec 22, 1750 ; Johnson, Jan. 8, 1754; Abigail, Nov. 27, 1756; Eli, Sept. 8, 1757 ; Daniel, July 15, 1759; Re bekah and Esther, (twins), June 11, 1764; Lucy, June 5, 1766 ; Molly and Dolly, (twins), April 19, 1768. John m. Lucy Gleason, Oct. 12, 1771; Abigail to John Lamb, July 1, 1784 ; Daniel to Catharine Palmer, June 7, 1781; Esther to Joshua Whitney, June 7, 1781 ; Rebekah to Nathaniel Lamb, Nov. 20, 1783 ; Lucy to Eli AVhittemore, July 21, 1783 ; Molly to Thomas Hatch, Nov. 15, 1787 ; Dolly to Jonathan Knowlton of Brookfield, March 3, 1791. Mr. Prouty d. Jan. 20, 1792, aged 73. His widow d. Jan. 31, 1801, aged 74. Prouty Benjamin, s. of the above, m. Sarah Green, Jan. HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 241 10, 1774. Their only child, Samuel, b. Feb. 22, 1776, who d. Feb. 13, 1828, aged 52. Prouty Isaac, s. of John senior, m. Anna Dunnell, Jan. 20, 1772. He had the homestead, and had John, b.. Feb. 27, 1775 ; William, March 24, 1778; Willard, May 4, 1786 ; Anna, Jan. 14, 1789 ; Mehetable, Nov. 15, 1791 ; Abigail, March 1, 1794. His wife d. May 12, 1802. He again m. Mrs. AVarner. John m. Polly Barnes, da. of David Barnes senior, May 24, 1801 ; Anna to Benjamin Drury, jun., Dec. 1, 1811; Mehetable to AVellington Hill, May 30, 1837; Abigail to Thomas Waters, July 10, 1814. Mr. Prouty d. June 15, 1828, aged 77. • Prouty William, s-. of Isaac, ra. Lydia Hatch, 1798. Matilda b. May 26,1799; Marcia Ann, Sept. 4,1801 ; Mary Ann, Jan. 25,1808; Napoleon Bonaparte, Feb. 24,1810; Abigail, July 12, 1813. ... Prouty Willard, s. of Isaac, m. Becca Draper, da. of Capt. John Draper, Jan. 18,1807. Isaac Warner b. Oct. 4, 1809 ; Harriet Amelia, Dec. 12, 1810. He d. by suicide, Jan. 5, 1834, aged 48. Prouty Johnson, s. of John senior, m. Anna Livermore, da. of James Livermore, 1774. Betsey, b. Oct. 19, 1774 ; Nabby, June 9, 1778 ; Reuben, June 9, 1783 ; Sally, April 15,1785; Asahel, May 15, 1787; Patty, Sept. 29, 1790; Willard, March 16, 1793 ; Eunice, March 20, 1795 ; Charles, March 20, 1795. Mr., Prouty was a soldier in the war of the revolution. Prouty Eli, son of John, senior, m. Rebekah Bemis, da. of Capt. William Bemis. Eli, b. Aug. 25, 1782; Elliot, March 21,1784; Electa, Aug. 2, 1787 ; Russell, May 9, 1791 ; Cheney, Nov. 17, 1794 ; Lovinia, Aug. 11, 1796 ; Rebekah, Dec. 27, 1801 ; Liberty, — . Electa m. Otis Crossman, June 7, 1809 ; Elliot to Nancy Muzzy, da. of Col. John Muzzy of Brookfield, 1815 ; Lovinia to John Draper ; Russell to Clarissa Watson, da. of James Watson, July 3, 21* 242 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. 1814 ; Rebekah to William Prouty, Oct. 17, 1826. Mr. Prouty was a soldier in the war of the revolution. He d. June 27, 1818, aged 60. His wife d. Aug. 15, 1847, aged 86. Prouty Eli, jun., m. Elathina Parks, da. of Jonathan Parks, Feb. 12, 1807. She d. March 2, 1808. He again m. Mrs. Mindwell Mirick, April 11, 1811. Lucinda b. Nov. 24, 1812 ; (d. May 2, 1837, aged 24.) Elathina b. Dee. 1, 1814 ; Lauriston Mirick, Feb. 3, 1817 ; Elliot, Feb. 6, 1820; Melona, Dec. 14, 1822 ; (d. Sept. 13, 1841, aged 19); Juli- ann Crosby b. Dec. 7, 1824. Elathina m. William G. Muzzy, May 29, 1835 ; Lauriston M. to Hannah L. Ray mond, Feb. 9, 1841 ; Elliot to Laura E. Randall, May 17, 1842 ; Juliann C. to Charles Wright, April 29, 1842. His wife Mindwell d. He again m. Nancy Brigham of West borough, 1839. He had the homestead, was a Major in the militia, had been one of the selectmen. He d. April 21, 1860, aged 77. Prouty Liberty, s. of Eli senior, m. Emily Bisco, da. of Jacob Bisco, 1827. Maria Adaline, b. Sept. 18, 1827 ; Jonas Russell, March 10, 1829 ; Joel Eli, July 25, 1830 ; Augus tus Bisco, Oct. 5, 1831. Maria Adaline d. Oct. 6, 1853, aged 26. Mr. Prouty d. Feb. 28, 1854, aged 55. Mrs. Prouty d. April 6, 1857, aged 52. Prouty Russell, s. of Eli senior, d. Aug. 27, 1855, aged 65. Prouty Adam, brother of Jacob senior, b. 1721. He married early, and came to Spencer later than his brothers. His wife d. in Spencer, and he m. Dorothy Howe of Rutland, Jan. 15, 1751. In 1763, he purchased part of lot (17), now owned by Foster Bisco and Mrs. Mary L. Bemis. He afterwards purchased part of lot (64), now owned by Sam uel Holmes, where he died. His wife Dorothy d. Oct. 23, 1809. He had a numerous family of children, but there is no record to be found of any of them except Seth, who was b. Nov. 12, 1761. His children by his first wife were, Grace, HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 243 Sarah, Luther, Isaac, &c, and by his last wife, Seth, Rhoda, Eunice, Patty, Desire, Dolly, Adam, Lucy, &c Isaac m. Molly Watson of Leicester, Dec. 10, 1778 ; Rhoda to Jude Hamilton of Brookfield, April 18, 1793; Eunice to Abia Barton, May 26, 1793 ; Patty to Simeon Phelps, Nov. 3, 1796 ; Dolly to James Adams, Oct. 8, 1800; Lucy to Boice. Grace and Sarah d. unmarried. Prouty James, brother of Jacob, was b. 1730. He set tled on part of lot (40), where his son Reuben lately lived. He was m. to Mary Dinsmore, June 25, 1765. He d. May 3, 1813, aged 83 ; his wife d. June 1, 1803. Amos b. March 8, 1766; Reuben, Dec. 18, 1771; Sarah, Dec. 10, 1777 ; Susannah, March 8, 1782 ; Lydia, Oct. 17, 1783 ; James, Jan. 30, 1786 ; Polly, Dec. 9, 1788. Amos m. Phebe Bartlett of Marlborough, Vermont ; Sarah to James Both- well of Oakham, Oct. 2, 1797; Susannah to John Bothwell, Dec 26, 1799 ; Lydia to Brigham Morse, Feb. 2, 1804 ; Polly to Alpheus Bemis of Paxton, Aug. 12, 1805. Prouty Reuben, s. of the above, m. Sally Bartlett of Marlborough, Vermont. Roxy b. Feb. 15, 1794, (d. 1809, aged 15) ; Spencer, Sept. 20, 1796 ; Sally, July 26, 1798, (d. Jan. 18, 1819, aged 20); Reuben, June 17, 1800; Louisa, April 7, 1802; Polly, Dec 23, 1804, (d. Dec. 21, 1823, aged 20). All the children above-named, were b. in Marlborough. Lucena b. at Spencer, July 6, 1806, (d. May 11, 1820, aged 14) ; Fosdick, May 14, 1808 ; Plummer, Oct. 19, 1809 ; Dwight D. Nov. 15, 1811 ; James, Sept. 20, 1813. Spencer m. Chloe Bisco, da. of Jacob Bisco, Aug. 1818, (she d. Feb. 28, 1823, aged 22) ; Reuben to Laura Whittemore, da. of Jeremiah Whittemore, July 13, 1826, (she d. March 18, 1827) ; Louisa m. Eleazer B. Draper. Mr. Prouty d. Sept. 7, 1856, aged 85. His wife d. Nov. 21, 1851, aged 77. Prouty Isaac, brother of Jacob, b. 1732, and was m. to Priscilla Ramsdell. He settled on the western end of lot 16 in 1757, where some of his great grand children still 244 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. remain. He d. May 5, 1805, aged 73. His widow d. July 13, 1814, aged 80. Priscilla b. Oct. 1, 1756; Elijah and Elisha (twins), b. Jan. 27, 1759; Sage, Nov. 2, 1762; Joseph, March 26, 1767; Thomas, June 13, 1769; Jesse, Aug. 6, 1771 ; Avis, April 27, 1775 ; Betsey, Jan. 24, 1780. Sage m. Alexander Dean of Oakham, March 18, 1784. Priscilla d. June 30, 1833, aged 77 ; Avis d.' June 9, 1816, aged 41. Betsey d. Sept. 21, 1812, aged 32. Prouty Elijah, s. of Isaac, m. Anna Munroe, da. of Amos Munroe, 1788. Artemas b. Nov. 18, 1788 ; Pliny, May 14, 1791. Mr. Prouty d. Feb. 8, 1792, aged 32. His widow d. Sept, 9, 1854, aged 86. Prouty Artemas, s. ofthe above, m. Clarissa' Snow, da. of James Snow, July 10, 1816. Artemas Warren b. March 30, 1817; Elijah Ansel, May 11, 1821 ; Lawson, Jan. 12,1826; AValton ; Salem, August 3, 1833. Mr. Prouty had the homestead, has been a selectman. Prouty Pliny, s. of Elijah, m. Melissa Holmes of New Braintree, 1818. Anna b. Feb. 10; 1819; Schuyler, Jan. 9, 1820 ; Benjamin, Feb. 5, 1821, AVilliam Elijah, April 26, 1822 ; Laura, Oct. 9, 1823 ; Pliny, Jan. 12, 1827. (d. Feb. 9, 1846, aged 19). Prouty Elisha, s. of Isaac, m. Elizabeth Demond of Rut land. Elijah b. Aug. 20,1785; Solon, May 28, 1788; Betsey, Nov. 3, 1792 ; George, Nov. 11, 1794, (d. Aug. 19, 1820, aged 26) ; Lucy, Aug. 25, 1798 ; Thaxter, March 29, 1803; Elisha . Elijah m. Mary Bartlett, 1808 ; Betsey to Jonah Perry, Aug. 21, 1814 ; Elisha to Mary B. Coggs- well, da. of Aaron Coggswell, April 4, 1827 ; Thaxter to Eliza AVoodard, April 5, 1827 ; Lucy to Daniel Knight of North Brookfield, May 10, 1826. Mr. Prouty d. Aug. 26, 1819, aged 60. The farm is now owned by Joseph Cheever. Prouty Joseph, s. of Isaac, m. Betsey Draper, da. of James Draper, May 19, 1791. Philinda b. Sept. 29, 1792 ; Calvin, Nov. 5, 1793, (d. March 7, 1808) ; Emelia, Jan. 7, HISTORY" OF SPENCEE. 245 1796 ; Horace, April, 1798, (d. by drowning, July 8, 1815, aged 17) ; Charles, May 7, 1800 ; Cyrus, Sept. 14, 1802, (d. by suicide, May 11, 1851); Elmira, Aug. 2, 1804; Lu ther, July 18, 1806, (d. Dec. 12, 1807) ; Calvin Luther, b. March 16, 1808 ; Alden, Nov. 10, 1810, (d. by drowning Aug. 17. 1811) ; Mary Draper, Feb. 2, 1813 ; Betsey, Aug. 19, 1816; Joseph Horace, Aug. 13, 1818. Philinda m. Jabez Bigelow, (she d. April 29, 1854, aged 62) ; Emelia to Edmund Newton, Dec. 5, 1827 ; Elmira to Joshua E. Good ell, Aug. 25, 1825; Cyrus to Mary Ann Bride, May 12, 1827 ; Betsey to Winthrop Prouty. Mr. Prouty d. June 19, 1829, aged 62. His wife d. Dec. 29, 1846, aged 74. Prouty Charles, s. of Joseph, m. Eunice AVatson, da. of Henry AVatson, Esq., Oct. 24, 1827. Prouty Thomas, s. of Isaac, m. Louisa Wood, da. of Simeon AArood, 1793. John Nazro b. Jan. 10, 1794 ; Homer, Oct. 19,1796; Isaac, Dec. 9, 1798; Diadamia, May 11, 1802. His wife d. and he was m. to Mrs. Olive Luther, March 31, 1811 . Diadamia m. John F. Smith of Holden, Nov. 5, 1829. Mr. Prouty d. May 29, 1813. His wife Olive d. Dec. 31, 1823. Prouty John N., m. Melinda Luther, da. of Thomas Lu ther, May 9, 1821. Thomas Austin b. Aug. 11, 1822 ; Me linda, March 8, 1824. Shem. John Rockwood of Paxton, 1846. Mr. Prouty has been captain of the militia and selectman. Prouty Jesse, s. of Isaac, m. Abigail Burden, April 22, 1798. He d. April 19, 1813, aged 41. His wife d. April 24, 1813, aged 43. Pope Rev. Joseph, m. Anna Hammond, da. of Col. Benja min Hammond of Newton, Oct. 9, 1777. Joseph b. July 14, 1778; Charles, Feb. 26, 1780 ; William, Dec, 10, 1781 ; Anna, Feb. 16, 1786. Joseph was a lawyer in Portland, Maine ; deceased. Charles, a merchant in Thomaston, Maine ; deceased. Anna m. Professor Shurtleff of Dart 246 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. mouth College ; deceased. Mr. Pope d. March 8, 1826, aged 79. Mrs. Pope d. July 14, 1859, aged 104 years 7 months. Pope William, s. of the above, m. Eliza Prince of Thom- aston, Maine, 1818. Ann Eliza b. at Thomaston, Nov. 12, 1818; Isabella Prince, at Spencer, Dec. 17, 1820, (d. May 31, 1821) ; Joseph, Aug. 16, 1822 ; Lucretia Howe, Sept. 17, 1824 ; Sarah Augusta, Jan. 17, 1827. His wife d. July 25, 1828, aged 30. He was m. to Elizabeth Stearns, Dec. 31, 1829. Maria Isabella, b. Jan. 27, 1831. His wife Eliz abeth d. at the Insane Hospital, Somerville, Sept. 17, 1832, aged 32. He again m. Mrs. Experience Clapp, Oct. 3, 1833. She d. June 13, 1851, aged 52. Ann Eliza m. Rawson Vaile, April 16, 1840 ; deceased. Lucretia H. m. AArilliam Upham, June 28, 1853 ; Maria I. m. Eli J. AVhittemore, April 13, 1858. Mi-. Pope received the homestead, is a justice of the peace, has been representative to the General Court, town clerk and treasurer. Packard Rev. Levi, m. Clarissa Sandford of Medway, Aug. 16, 1826. Sarah Daniels b. Oct. 29, 1827; Clarissa Sandford, Aug. 12, 1830 ; Edward Payson, March 26, 1832, (d. Oct. 12, 1847, aged 15) ; Levi Sewell, June 7, 1834 ; Mary Snow, June 14, 1836 ; David Sandford, April 8, 1839. Mr. Packard d. at Stafford Springs, Conn. Jan. 11, 1857, aged 64. Interred at Spencer. Pierce Thomas, from Northborough, m. Marcia Mason, da. of Joseph Mason, April 11, 1825. George Bradshaw b. Jan. 7, 1827, (d, March 11, 1850, aged 23) ; Addison Scott b. May 9, 1829; Ellen Elizabeth, Oct. 17, 1830; Julia Ann, March 27, 1832 ; Joseph Thomas Mason, Feb. 11, 1835 ; John Davis, Feb. 15, 1838; Mary Eliza, June 28, 1841. Mr. Pierce was a major in the militia, and town officer. Re moved to Worcester. Rice Peter, m. Olive Baldwin, da. of Maj. Asa Baldwin, Nov. 12, 1778. Olive b. Sept, 19,1784; Willard b. June 12, 1786; Lucy, Aug. 6, 1788; Clarissa, July 31,1790; HISTORY OF SPENCER. 247 Joel, Feb. 26, 1796 ; Horace, Feb. 27, 1798 ; William, July 5, 1803. Lucy m. Charles Watson 2d ; Clarissa to William Pitt AVaite ; William to Emeline Draper. Mr. Rice was a soldier in the war of the revolution and fought at the battle of Bunker Hill. He d. Feb. 4, 1813. His wife d. Nov. 28, 1813, aged 55. Rice Willard, s. of the" above, m. Mary Jenks, da. of Isaac Jenks, Jan. 25, 1817. Cynthia Jenks b. Jan. 29, 1818; Mary Ann, Juno 1, 1S20; AVillard, Jan. 18, 1823; Horace William, Sept. 10, 1827, (d. Sept. 12, 1849, aged 22). Mr. Rice was a captain in the militia, and town officer. He d. Feb. 29, 1848, aged 61. His wife d. Oct. 1, 1841, aged 49. Rice Horace, brother of the above, m. Dulcina Sibley, da. of Caleb Sibley, June 28, 1827. Ruth Putnam b. July 8, 1828. Ryan Samuel, b; in Leicester, 1750, m. to Mercy Stod dard, June 18, 1778. Hannah b. April 24, 1779 ; Polly, March 22, 1781 ; Samuel, Dec. 16, 1782 ; Jacob, July 10, 1784; Jonathan, June 13,1785; Mrs. Ryan d. He again m. Eunice Evans, Jan. 12, 1786. Nancy b. Oct. 14, 1786 ; Eunice, June 24, 1788 ; Lyman, Oct. 28, 1790 ; Matthias, July 9, 1792 ; John, May 22, 1794 ; Ruth AV. April, 1796 ; Margaret, . Jonathan m. Mary AVatson, da. of Rob ert AVatson, for second wife. Ruth W. m. Walter Sibley, May 1821. Mr. Ryan removed to Charlton. His widow d. March 15, 1845, aged 81. Rice Asher, in 1736, came on to the west part of lot (7). Mr. Thomas Rice, father of Asher, was the first settler in Westborough, then a part of Marlborough, and was for sev eral years representative for the town of Marlborough, in the General Court. His house was made a garrison in 1711, and stood on the plain in the village of Westborough, and on the spot now occupied by the house of Mr. Fayerweather. On the 8th day of August, 1704, as several persons were at work in the field, a party of eight or ten Indians rushed 248 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. from the woods and killed Nahor, son of Mr. Edmund Rice, and captivated two more of his sons, Silas and Timothy, and also Asher and Adonizah, sons of Thomas Rice, and carried them to Canada. Silas, Timothy and Adonizah never re turned, but Asher wa.s redeemed by his father and returned in about four years. When taken by the Indians, he was about ten years old. While in Westborough, he zu. his wife Tabitha, by whom he had Asher b. 1734 ; Tabitha b. 1736. These came with him to Spencer. While here he had Sarah b. July 20, 1738; Anna, June 1, 1741; Jacob, May 20, 1744 ; Martha, June 14, 1746 ; David, June 30, 1752 ; Jed- ediah, April 2, 1755. His house was on the western side of the " Waite Road," about half a mile northerly of the " AVire Village," where the vestiges of his cellar may still be seen. AVhile among the Indians, he imbibed many of their peculiarities, some of which he retained through life. He erected forts and garrisons to guard against the Indians long after they had all disappeared. His eccentricities on other things were no less singular. He spent much time in building a gristmill, so arranged as to have the under stone move round instead of the upper one. This movement he said was natural, as man's under jaw moved in reducing his food. He d. August 20, 1773, aged 79. Rice Asher, s. of the above, m. Dinah Allen of Sturbridge. By her he had Dinah b. 1768, who m. Isaac Comar, Nov. 22, 1784. He again m. Sarah Phelps, Oct. 3, 1782. Sarah b. Aug. 9, 1788; Achsah, March 7, 1791, (d. Aug. 24, 1830, aged 39); Lucy, ; Asher, Dec. 16, 1796; Annah, Dec. 16, 1804. Asher m. Sally Ludden, da. of Enoch Ludden, Nov. 1826 ; Annah to David Stebbings, May 31, 1841. Mr. Rice d. May 13, 1823, aged 89. His wife d. May 5, 1813. The farm now owned by Isaac Hill. Read John, came to the eastern part of lot (7) in 1736. He was b. in Ireland, 1699, and came to America 1729, but came from Milton to Spencer. His first wife Ann d. 1743. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 249 He again m. Martha Blair from Warren, in 1745, by whom he had one son, John. His wife Martha d. in 1791, aged 82. He d. Jan. 31, 1787, aged 88. The farm now owned by Elliot W. Boice. Robinson Josiah, from Uxbridge, purchased the west part of lot (22) in 1743, and built a house which now con stitutes the eastern half part of the " Jenks tavern." He m. Anna Barton, 1738. Samuel b. July 24, 1742 ; Will iam, June 16, 1744; Joshua, June 2, 1747. He kept a public house. In 1752, he sold his estate to Moses Smith, ahd removed from town. He was grandfather to the wife of Jacob Wilson. Read John, b. in Rutland, and m. Elizabeth Davis, da. of Simeon Davis of that town, Aug. 25, 1760. He pur chased and built a house where Mrs. Willard Converse now lives. Daniel b. 1760; Relief, May 15, 1762; Ruth, May 30, 1765 ; Mercy, Aug. 5, 1767. His wife'd. and he had by his wife' Martha, Reuben b. May 9, 1774; Simon Davis, March 10, 1776 ; John, March 19, 1778 ; David, Jan. 30, 1783. Simon D. m. Betsey Woodard, May 29, 1798; David to Pamela Merritt of Charlton, Nov. 21, 1816. John was a soldier in the war of 1812, and had one of his arms shot off by a cannon ball. Ruth d. in Leicester, unmarried. Mr. Reed d. Jan. 27, 1813. Richardson Selby, from Brookfield, m. Azubah Rice from the same town. Maria Evelina, b. March 18, 1840, (d. May 22, 1852, aged 12) ; Jane Azubah b. June 6, 1842. His wife d. June 6, 1842. Again m. Sarah S. Upham of Leicester, 1842. George Selby, Nov. 20, 1847, (d. Dec. 18, 1852) ; George Selby b. May 1, 1854. Stoddard Jacob, purchased the south part of lot (79) in 1740. He had by his wife Rachel, Jacob b. 1730 ; Rachel, March 1731 ; Jonathan, April 1734 ; Eleanor, July 11, 1735; Elijah, Jan. 15, 1737; Sarah and Mary, (twins) March 25, 1739 ; Abigail, Aug. 28, 1741. His wife d. he 22 250 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. m. Hannah Minot, Nov. 20, 1744. Richard b. Jan. 1747 ; Mary, Sept. 6, 1745 ; second Richard, Sept. 30, 1748 ; Sam uel, June 23, 1750 ; Hannah, Aug. 11, 1752 ; second Mary, May 31, 1755. His second wife d. he m. Mary May, widow of AVilliam May, Oct. 25, 1757. Jonathan m. Elizabeth Baldwin of Leicester, .April 10, 1760 ; Eleanor to Jonathan Snow of Leicester, May 20, 1758, and again to Deacon John Muzzy ; Mary to David May, April 5, 1764 ; Mercy to Sam uel Ryan, June 18, 1778. Mr. Stoddard's house was about half a mile southeast of the house of Jacob Wilson. The farm was afterwards owned by Daniel Atwood, and now by Jacob AVilson. Seagar Oliver, from Newton, purchased the eastern end of lot (16) in 1743, now owned by Mr. Putnam, where he lived until 1750. In 1770 he purchased part of lot (37), now owned by Harvey Prouty, where he lived many years. He made some pretension to physic, which gave him the title of Doctor. He m. to Lydia Clark, da. of Matthias Clark, July 12, 1749. Ephraim b. Feb. 28, 1750 ; Lydia, Aug. 8, 1752 ; Ruth, March 11, 1756 ; Caleb, June 14, 1758 ; Henry, Aug. 26, 1760; Joshua, ; Oliver, March 2, 1771. Lydia m. John Hinds of Brookfield, May 24, 1772 ; Ruth to Ezra Richmond of Brookfield, June 26, 1778. Mrs. Sea- gar, with her sons Henry, Joshua and Oliver, all d. in quick succession with fever, in the autumn of 1791. Mr. Seagar d. April 4, 1803, aged 83. Seagar Ephraim, s. of the above, had with, his wife Olive, Aaron b. Nov. 28, 1788 ; Olive, Sept. 13, 1790; Henry, May 7, 1793 ; Susannah, May 22, 1795 ; Lydia, March 6, 1798. Mr. Seagar d. March 24, 1806, aged 56. The farm now owned by Pliny Allen. Sprague Thomas, m. Thankful Hatch. Henry b. July 27, 1781 ; Thomas, May 10, 1783. Mr. Sprague was a sol dier, and fought at Bunker Hill; was selectman and assessor many years. He d. May 12, 1828, aged 76. His wife d. Jan. 21, 1821. HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 251 Sprague James, brother of the above, m. Chloe Baldwin, da. of Maj. Asa Baldwin, May 4, 1779. James b. June 26, 1782 ; Charles, July 31, 1784 ; Chloe, Dec 30, 1786 ; Ros well, April 22, 1789; Roxa, April 2, 1794. Charles m. Hannah Loring, da. of Nathaniel F. Loring, June 16, 1813 : Chloe to Jeremiah Watson, July 6, 1809 ; Roswell to Mehet able Hobart of Leicester. Mr. Sprague d. Dec. 31, 1824, aged 75. His wife d. Dec. 12, 1835, aged 80. The farm now owned by George L. Hobbs. Sprague James, jun., m. Clary Bacon of Charlton. Asahel Burbank b. Oct. 27, 1809 ; Adaline, June 28, 1811 ; Louisa, June 11, 1813 ; Lewis, Sept. 14, 1815. His wife d. July 7, 1848, aged 65. He received the homestead. Removed to Leicester. PEDIGREE OF THE SUMNERS. Sumner Edward, of Roxbury, was a large landholder, owning, besides his estate in that town, unsettled lands in Brookfield, Sutton and Spencer, which he divided between his four children, John, Samuel, Increase and Mary. Sam uel was a farmer in Roxbury. Increase became Governor of Massachusetts, for the years 1797, 1798, and was elected for 1799, but died before taking his seat. Mary m. Thomas Balch, minister of Dedham. John, the eldest, was educated at Harvard College, 1723, and went to Edgarton, Martha's Alneyard, and was Judge of the courts of Dukes county. He owned in Spencer lot (1), lately in part owned by Samuel Adams, also, lot (74), including Flat Hill. His children were John, Benjamin, Thomas, Edward and Susan. He removed to Spencer about 1774, and d. at the house of his son John, 1787. Sumner John, s. of John above named, with his wife Abigail, had Betsey b. Jan. 2, 1770; John, Dec. 18, 1771 ; (d. Sept. 17, 1795). AVilliam, Jan. 11, 1774; (these b. in Edgarton). Edward, Dec. 14, 1776; (d. April 14, 1795). 252 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. Samuel, Feb. 4, 1780; George, June 30, 1782; Abigail, March 7, 1784 ; Mary, Feb. 28, 1786 ; Henry, Feb. 19, 1788 ; Jedidah, April 30, 1791 ; Charles and Cheney, (twins) Feb. 17, 1795 ; (Charles d. Sept. 14, 1796). Betsey m. Zebina Abbot, March 24, 1791 ; William toLucena Fletcher of Townsend, Vermont, 1799 ; Samuel to Phila Blashfield of Brimfield, Nov. 9, 1808; Abigail' to William Brown of Brimfield, July 9,1812; Mary to Jonas Hartwell of Oxford, Nov. 28, 1814 ; Jedidah to Abner Brown of Brimfield, June 20, 1816 ; Henry to Eliza Haynes of Southbridge. Mr. Sumner d. Feb. 23, 1813. His wife d. June 18, 1817. Sumner William, s. of the above, with his wife Lucena, had Sophronia, b. Oct. 3, 1800 ; Eliza, Oct. 30, 1802 ; Mary Ann, Aug. 14, 1805 ; Mehetable, April 14, 1808 ; Abigail, Nov. 30, 1810; Lucena, April 2, 1814; AVilliam, April 9, 1817. Mary Ann m. Eli Brown, of Chelmsford, Oct. 13, 1825. Mr. Sumner was deacon of the Congregational church, and d. Dec. 12, 1839, aged 67. Sumner Benjamin, s. of John senior, married Martha Clark, da. of Matthias Clark, 1771. Susannah b. July 2, 1772; Rufus, Jan. 15, 1774 ; Fanny, Aug. 15, 1775 ; Ben jamin, Oct. 26, 1777. Benjamin, Thomas and Edward, re moved to Vermont. Susan d. unmarried. Sumner Cheney, brother to the above, m. Mary Coy of Brimfield, 1833. Mary b. July 24, 1835 ; Charles Edward, Dec. 29, 1836 ; Jane Maria, June 24, 1843. His wife d. April 16, 1848, aged 38. Snow James, from Leicester, m. Lydia Moore of AVorcester. William b. March 30, 1783, (killed instantly at the raising of a building, Sept. 1, 1798) ; Levi b. Feb. 8, 1785 ; Eber, Nov. 9, 1786 ; Willard, April 27, 1789 ; Clarissa, Oct. 14, 1792; James, Dec. 30, 1799; Sally, Feb. 16, 1802. Wil lard m. Mary Peirce of Paxton, Oct. 1818 ; Clarissa to Arte mas Prouty; Sally to Artemas May, Aug. 1,1819. Mr. HISTORY OF SPENCER. 253 Snow was a revolutionary soldier, and d. April 14, 1839, aged 82. His wife d. Jan. 10, 1842, aged 79. Snow Eber, m. Hannah Perham, da. of Jacob Perham. Cheney b. Aug. 19, 1806; Elmira, Jan. 18, 1811 ; Elcena Moor, June 14, 1720 ; Violett, Oct. 23, 1822. Sibley Paul, came with his wife Sarah from Sutton, about 1793, on the farm now owned by Asa B. AVatson and Horace Rice. He d. Feb. 28, 1803. His widow m. Nathan iel Whitmore of Sutton, Sept. 12, 1804. Sibley Paul, jun., with his wife Nancy from Sutton, purchased the farm now occupied by his grandson, Morris N. Sibley. Jonas b. Feb. 2, 1793 ; Nancy, Oct. 23, 1795. His wife d. Dec. 10, 1795. He m. Abigail Livermore, da. of David Livermore senior ; AV alter b. Jan. 28, 1797 ; Russell, Dec. 26, 1798; Paul, Sept. 6, 1804; Brigham, June 3, 1807. Mr. Sibley d. March 14, 1851, aged 82. Jonas m. Waney Wheelock of Charlton, April 16, 1815. Nancy to Simon Baldwin. His wife Abigail d. March 16, 1842, aged 69. Sibley Russell, s. of Paul jun. m. Sukey Newhall, da. of Reuben Newhall, Dec. 21, 1823. Elizabeth Maria, b. Nov. 30, 1825 ; Morris Newhall, March 29, 1829 ; Susan New hall, Jan. 5, 1831, (d. Aug. 12, 1839). Mrs. Sibley d. Oct. 21, 1834, aged 31 ; was m. Cyrena Hall of Charlton, 1839. Susan N. b. July 27, 1840 ; Julius Russell and Julia Ann b. July 15, 1841. His wife d. May 15, 1846, aged 33. Sibley Walter, brother of the above, m. Ruth W. Ryan of Charlton, May, 1821. Charles b. July 2, 1826; Eliza Jane, June 17, 1829; William Evans, Nov. 22, 1833; Henry . Mr. Sibley was a justice of the peace, colonel in the militia, town officer, and deacon of the congregational church. He d. July 25, 1842, aged 45. Had been also representative. Sibley Paul, s. of Paul jun., m. Esther Stone of Charlton, 1838. Mary Ann b. June 7, 1839 ; Lucius Addison, Sept. 22* 254 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 26, 1840; Emily Louisa, July 19, 1842. His wife d. Oct. 18, 1854, aged 39. Sibley Brigham, s. of Paul Sibley, m. Adaline Adams, da. of Rufus Adams, June 20, 1838. Louisa A. b. March 16, 1840 ; Rufus A. Dec. 3, 1841 ; Maria, Nov. 10, 1843 ; Susan A. Oct. 18, 1846. His wife d. Oct. 27, 1846, aged 33. He again m. Seraph Rice, May 22, 1849. His wife Seraph d. and he again m. Mrs. Sarah M. Crosby, June 11, 1854. Sibley Caleb, s. of Paul senior, had the homestead. He had with his wife Prudy, Braman, b. Feb. 10, 1794 ; Har riet, March 14, 1797 ; Dulcena, Aug. 17, 1800 ; Lucinda, Sept. 1, 1806. Mr. Sibley d. Dec. 13, 1843, aged 72. His wife d. July 18, 1840, aged 65. Harriet m. Charles Denny, April 27, 1818. (Their only child Ruth, b. June 1822, and d. Sept. 15, 1833.) Mr. Denny d. and she m. Asa B. Watson, Jan. 31, 1828. Dulcena m. Horace Rice ; Lucinda to Doct. George S. Smith. Sibley Braman, s. of Caleb, m. Dolly Newhall, da. of Reuben Newhall, Dec. 22, 1816. Mary N. b. March 24, 1817, (d. May 18, 1847, aged 30). His wife d. July 1, 1817, he m. Adaline Rider. John Rider b. Sept, 15, 1821 ; Braman Fuller, April 22, 1824. Mr. Sibley d. March 1, 1825, aged 31. Sibley Rufus, s. of Paul senior, m. Phebe Lafflin, 1809. Sylvanus b. Oct. 6, 1809 ; Lucretia, Sept. 1, 1811, (d. June 5, 1835, aged 23) ; Edward, April 26, 1814, (d. Aug. 17, 1848, aged 34) ; William, Oct. 3, 1816 ; Harvey, b. 1819, (d. Oct. 16, 1840, aged 21). Mr. Sibley d. Dec. 26, 1837, aged 52. Sibley Simeon, s. of Paul senior, m. Sophia Savage, May 5,1811. Charlotte b. Sept. 1, 1812; Lawson, Dec. 17, 1814, (d. June 7, 1835 aged 19); Louisa, Nov. 7, 1817; Ellen, Dec. 21, 1821. Mr. Sibley d. July 17, 1824, aged 37. Saddler Thomas N., m. Laurina Watson, da. of Charles HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 255 AVatson, Dec. 4, 1834. Charles Thomas b. May 6, 1835, (d. Oct. 1, 1839). Edward Payson, b. Nov. 15, 1837 ; Charles Thomas, Feb. 8, 1840 ; Jane. Maria, June 16, 1842 ; Mary Elizabeth, Oct. 27, 1S44. Sampson AVilliam, in. Mary L. Green, da. of Barnard Green, 1832. Caroline, b. Aug. 10, 1833 : Luvann, July 14, 1835; Freeman, Sept. 23, 1S37; Byron, March 17, 1840; Jane, Nov. 13, 1844; Maria, Jan. 24, 1847; Ada- laide, March 6, 1849. Sinclair AVilliam, (or St. Clair,) purchased the west half part of lot 68, in 1735. He was born in Ireland, in the county of Down and Parish of Drumbloo, in 1676, and came to New England in 1729. He lived in this town 18 years, and d. July 4, 1753, aged 79. His wife Mary d. Aug. 9, 1765, aged 79. He had four daughters, Ann, Mary, Agnes, and Elizabeth. Ann m. John Cunningham, and has left numerous descendants. Mary m. Jonas Mays; Agnes to William Breckenridge of Palmer, Dec. 11, 1746; Elizabeth to John Dunn of Northbridge, Oct. 6, 1774, afterwards re moved to Brookfield. The farm now owned by Justin Clark. Stebbings Capt. John, was the son of Samuel Stebbings, and to him and his brother Joseph, was assigned the first house lot of 30 acres in Leicester in 1714. They came from England, at what time is not known, but he and his brother were neither of them twenty-one years of age when they came to Leicester. This house lot was on " Strawberry Hill," and comprehended a considerable part of the village in Lei cester. He was the first grantee named iu the deed, giving the easterly half of the town to the first fifty families, dated Jan. 8, 1724. He was a housewright by trade, but he acquired only a moderate estate, yet he was a man of intel ligence and influence, and was often promoted to offices in civil and military life. While in Leicester he was m. to Sarah Southgate of that town. His children by her while in Leicester, were Sarah, b. Sept. 30, 1732 ; Elizabeth, Sept. 256 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 2, 1734. He came into Spencer in 1737 or 1738, and took possession of lot (6,) lately owned by Major Isaac Lamb. While in Spencer he had John, b. July 21, 1738 ; James, April 23, 1740 ; Mary, Oct. 2, 1742. His wife d. Nov. 16, 1742, he again in. Mary Hinds of Brookfield, 1743. By her he had Benjamin b. June 25, 1744 ; Reuben, April 18, 1746; Patience, Aug. 19, 1747. Sarah m. Joseph Bigelow ; Elizabeth to Daniel Newhall of Leicester. Mr. Stebbings was a soldier in the French war in 1746, under Governor Shirley, in Canada and Nova Scotia. Again in 1755 and 1756, he was captain of a company in the regiment of Col. Ruggles, stationed at Fort Edward, where he d. at the age of 45 years, Aug. 18, 1756. Stebbings John, s. of the above, m. Olive Muzzy, da. of deacon John Muzzy, Oct. 11, 1764. He acquired a hand some estate, two thousand dollars of which he generously gave to the Congregational society in Spencer. He left no children, and died July 17, 1821, aged 88. His widow died March 1, 1840, aged 96. His farm now owned by Aaron Watson and Mr. Putnam. Smith Lemuel, from Warren, had by his wife Mary, Hiram, b. Sept. 17, 1806; James Madison, Aug. 27, 1808; Elbridge Gerry, Dec. 13, 1810. These b. at Warren. Mary b. at Spencer, Nov. 17, 1813 ; Austin, March 28, 1815" ; Isaac Fowler, Aug. 19, 1818. Mrs. Smith d. Sept. 4, 1818, he m. Lucia Goodman, of East Hartford, Conn., 1818. He re moved to Worcester, where his wife Lucia died, and was buried at Spencer, Nov. 1, 1851, aged 69. He now resides in Westfield. Smith Moses, was in Spencer as early as 1728, and pur chased the most part of lots (21 and 23) now owned by Dan iel AVhittemore, AVashington Hill, Lewis Hill, Henry Belch er, Eli Prouty, the late Isaac Prouty, part of the farms of Harvey Prouty, Isaac Stevens and Sullivan Hill. His house stood about 40 rods north of the house of Daniel AVhitte- HISTORY OF SPENCER. 257 more. He had by his wife Elizabeth, Jonas b. 1739 ; Moses, 1743 ; Elizabeth, 1745 ; Amos, 1750 ; Joseph, 1752. After selling off several farms, he sold the remainder to Samuel Bemis, June, 1752, and purchased the Jenks tavern and farm. In 1754, he sold it to John Flagg of Waltham, and removed from town. Temple Alonzo, from Rutland, m. Adaline Sibley, widow of Braman Sibley, June 17, 1727. Francis Marion b. Oct. 19, 1828, (d. Aug. 3, 1841, aged 12) ; William Henry, March 14, 1831 ; Joseph Warren, Feb. 17, 1833 ; Edward Everett, June 15, 1835, (d. Feb. 21, 1838). Mrs. Temple d. Feb. 5, 1855, aged 53. Mr. Temple has been a colonel in tho militia, representative, and town officer. Tucker Samuel, was b. in Roxbury, and was the fourth son*of Benjamin Tucker, one of the original proprietors of Leicester and Spencer.* He removed to Leicester early, and m. Hannah Sylvester, June 19, 1740. He remained in Leicester, where all his children were b. until 1762, when he removed to Spencer, on to the east part of lot (42), where Benjamin Converse, brother to Luke Converse, had built the house now owned by Amos Bemis. Sarah b. April 25, 1741 ; Samuel, Jan. 8, 1743 ; Hannah, Feb. 3, 1745 ; Isaac, Dec. 15, 1746 ; Ruth, Nov. 17, 1748 ; Elijah, 1751 ; Huldah, April 1, 1755; Ezekiel, Aug. 29, 1757. Sarah m. David Baldwin of Leicester, Sept. 22, 1774 ; Samuel to Elizabeth Livermore of Leicester. Hannah d. July 22, 1766 ; Elijah d. of the small pox, May 11, 1777. Tucker Ezekiel, s. of the above, m. Hannah Phillips, March 28, 1782. Elishah. Dec. 3, 1782, (d. Dec. 7, 1805, aged 23) ; Hannah, Sept. 3, 1784. His wife d. Sept. 9, 1784. He ° Benjamin Tucker died at Roxbury, 1728. His estate was appraised at £1491 2, and settled at the Probate Office in Boston, 1738. Among the items of charge are £0 9s. Od., for digging grave and tolling bell. For wine, £4 lis. Od. For gloves, £8 3s. 6d. Paid Caleb Lyman for articles for mourning, £17 15s. 8d. 258 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. m. Elizabeth Phelps of Brookfield, Aug. 25, 1786. William b. April 13, 1789 ; Huldah, May 22, 1793 ; Betsey, April 1798 Samuel, April 15, 1801 ; Hosea, Sept, 10, 1803 ; Ezekiel, Oct. 3, 1805. AVilliam m. Eunice Cutter ; Huldah to Amos Bemis; Betsey to Simpson Bixby of Hopkinton. Mr. Tucker d. Jan. 29, 1814, aged 57. His wife d. Sept. 19, 1831. Upham Jacob, in 1753, purchased and settled on the westerly part of lot (16), now owned by the heirs of John N. Prouty. In 1757, he sold to Isaac Prouty, and purchased the eastern part of lot (1), lately owned by Samuel Adams. He m. Sarah Stower of Maiden, 1751. By her he had Phebe b. July 24, 1752; Jacob, March 23, 1754. He d. young. Abigail, Jan 24, 1756. His wife d. June 21, 1757, and he m. Zeruiah Smith, widow of James Smith, April 175S. By her he had Sarah b. Dec. 13, 1758 ; James, Oct. 26, 1760; Mary, May 15, 1763; Lucy, July 1, 1765; Esther, June 21, 1767 ; Elizabeth, March 21, 1769 ; Jacob, Aug. 12, 1771, (d. May 1790). Abigail m. Ebenezer Sand erson ; Sarah to Asa Washburn ; Mary to Ebenezer Easta- brook ; Lucy to Hezekiah Sanderson ; Elizabeth to John Grout ; Esther to Isaac Palmer. Mr. Upham d. by a fall from his horse, April 15, 1785, aged 56. Underwood Reuben, from Sudbury, m. Eunice, da. of Jonas Livermore. Susan b. Sept. 1, 1774; Sally, March 19, 1778; Reuben, Feb. 16, 1784. She d. July 17, 1790. He m. Sybil Whittemore, da. of Jeremiah AVhittemore, Feb. 3,1791; Amos b. Dec. 1791 ; Eunice, ; Jonas and Sybil (twins), March 7, 1797 ; Cyrus, Sept. 15, 1801. Jonas m. Hannah Browning, May 23, 1824. Mr. Underwood was a farmer and shoemaker, and Deacon of the Congrega tional church. He d. Nov. 20, 1830, aged 79. The farm now owned by Paul Woolson. AVilson James, came from Lexington to Leicester, and settled on house lot (10), in 1714. How long he remained HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 259 in Leicester, and when he came to Spencer, is unknown. His title to lot (5) in Spencer is 1730. He did not take posses sion of his lot until some years after. His house stood about 50 rods south of the Wire Village, where the remains of his cellar may now be seen. He had ten children, Joseph, Dorothy, Sarab, Mehetable, James, Anna b. May, 1725 ; Benjamin, 1727; William, 1729 ; John, 1730; Aza riah, 1731. He was often promoted to offices of trust while in Leicester and Spencer. He was the first deacon in Mr. Eaton's church in 1744. But his religion, if not equivocal, was somewhat versatile. Soon after he was elected deacon, he left his church and joined himself to a few fanatical for eigners, who had also left the Rev. Mr. Fi ink's church in Rutland and formed themselves into a Presbyterian society in the south part of that town. After being united with them about three months, he again changed his views, and begged to be again restored to his former standing in Mr. Eaton's church. After some altercation and mutual crim ination, he was again received. He remained here until 1758. At this time the Stockbridge Indians were about selling their lands and removing farther west, and the fer tility of the lands on the River Housatonic arrested the attention of the people, and Deacon Wilson sold his farm and removed to Stockbridge. He was thus the pioneer in the settlement of three towns : Leicester, Spencer and Stockbridge. Wilson Joseph, s. of James, m. Grace Harrington of Brookfield, 1745. Grace b. June, 1746 ; Samuel, May 11, 1748 ; Lucy, 1750 ; Isaac, 1752 ; Azariah, 1756 ; Mary, 1759. Lucy m. Ezra Wilson, 1774; Mary to Moses Liver more, jun. Grace d. Nov. 19, 1826, aged 80. Isaac d. Dec. 1833, aged 86. Wilson Samuel, s. of the above, received the homestead, had with his wife Lovinia, Joseph b. Oct. 19, 1780 ; Lovinia, Sept. 30, 1782 ; (d. Jan. 22, 1808, aged 25). Sally, b. July 260 HISTOEY OF SPENCEE. 4, 1785; Samuel, June 14, 1787. The house of Mr. Wil son was on the east side of the road, between the houses of Henry Eames and George Robinson. Wilson Joseph, s. of the above, m. Martha, da. of James Draper, Dec. 27, 1801. Laura b. Oct. 11, 1802 ; Sewall, June 15, 1805 ; Orren, April 4, 1808 ; Joel, Oct. 20, 1811 ; Lovinia, Feb. 11, 1815 ; Martha Draper, Feb. 7, 1818 ; Mary Jane, Sept. 30, 1821 ; Samuel Austin, March 11, 1826. AVilson Benjamin, s. of James senior, m. Mary Stower of Leicester. Mary b. Dec. 29, 1748 ; Abigail, July 18, 1751 ; Rachel, June 21, 1753. Wilson James, s. of James senior, m. Lydia Vinton of Leicester, 1748. Hannah b. Jan. 28,1749; , Sept. 30, 1750 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 2, 1753 ; Abigail, May 16, 1755. Mr. AVilson built the mills lately owned by F. Howe, and now by Myrick and Sugden, and were the first erected in Spencer, having been built about 1740. Wood Nathaniel, purchased 100 acres of Paul Dudley Esq., one of the original proprietors, being the western end of lots 29 and 36, adjoining Brookfield town line. This was the first settlement in Spencer, being in 1717. But little is known of him or his family. He had one daughter, Dolly, m. Jonas Bemis senior. He removed to Brookfield, but at what time is uncertain. He was known to be here, 1730. Wood Capt. Jonathan, came from Upton, and purchased from Oldham Gates his farm, being the central part of lot 15, in 1767, now owned by Eber Snow and son. He died Feb. 4, 1796, aged 95. Wood Simeon, s. of the above, m. Sarah Muzzy, da. of deacon John Muzzy, Dec. 24, 1771. Louis b. Nov. 8, 1772 ; Sarah, June 15, 1774 ; Abigail, July 14, 1776 ; Mary, Aug. 4, 1779 ; Simeon, March 19, 1781 ; Olive, Aug. 27, 1784; John, Sept. 12, 1790; Ezra, Sept. 13, 1792. Louis m. Thomas Prouty ; Sarah to Ephraim Browning of Rutland ; Abigail to Thomas Loring ; Mary to Amos Watson. Simeon HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 261 was instantly killed at the raising of a building, Sept. 1, 1798. Mr. Wood d. May 24, 1797. John d. Oct. 27, 1801. Wright Edward, purchased of James Draper, senior, the northeast part of lot (33) 1753, since owned by Stevens Hatch, and now by the town of Spencer. He had by his wife Try- phena, Jason, Nathan, Bazaleel, b. 1752; Jane, 1754; Jonathan, 1756 ; Annah, 1758 : Jesse, 1760 ; Tryphena, 1761 ; Mary, 1763 ; Persis, 1765 ; John, 1768. Nathan m. Mary Whittemore, da. of Jeremiah Whittemore ; Bazaleel to Eunice Hayward of Holden ; Jason to Elizabeth Bradshaw Muzzy, da. of deacon John Muzzy ; Persis to John Bigelow. Mr. Wright removed to Chester in 1770. Woodward Robert, purchased the west part of lot (53) in 1750. He came from Leicester, and m. Deliverance De mond of that town, 1743. He had Betty, b. 1744 ; Caleb, 1746 ; Phebe, 1758. The farm now owned by the heirs of William Baldwin, deceased. White Henry, from Dedham, purchased the northerly part of lot (79) in 1739. now owned by Jacob Wilson. He m. Abigail Draper, da. of Capt. James Draper of Dedham. She was b. Dec 12, 1721. They had Rebekah, b. Dec 11, 1741 ; William, May 20, 1744 ; Abigail, April 4, 1747. Rebekah ro. John Worster, April 28, 1763 ; Abigail to Johnson Lynde, May 21, 1767. Mr. White d. 1748. His widow m. Maj. Asa Baldwin. She died Nov. 3, 1817, aged 94. White William, s. of the above, m. Esther Lynde, May 12, 1768. He had the homestead. They had Henry, Esther, Sarah, William and 2d Esther, who all died in in fancy. Rebekah b. Jan. 21, 1773 ; Sally, March 12, 1781 ; Tammy, Sept. 28, 1783 ; Polly or Mary, June 7, 1787. Re bekah m. Samuel Trask of Leicester ; Sally to Amos Smith of Palmer, April 19, 1804 ; Tammy to Oliver to Watson ; Mary to Walton Livermore. His wife Esther d. Aug. 5, 1815, and he m. Mrs. Elizabeth Browning of Rutland, 1817. Mr. White had a commission of Major in the militia, deacon 23 262 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. of the Congregational church, was a patriot to his country, left a handsume estate, and d. Feb. 16, 1826, aged 82. White John, from Framingham, purchased the eastern part of lot (68) about 1748, now owned by Thomas B. Clark. His children, John, Thomas, Rebekah, Sarah, and Sibbilah, b. in Framingham, and Rand, b. in Spencer, Oct. 15, 1751. Mr. White came from England, settled in Framingham, and followed the trade of a carpenter. While there he m. Sib bilah, da. of Col. Joseph Buckminster, who with her father came from Scotland. He d. Aug. 20, 1778, aged 84. His widow d. Oct. 23, 1794, aged 88. AVhite John, s. of the above, m. Silence Baldwin, da. of David Baldwin, 1757. Silence b. Jan. 19, 1758; Buck minster, April 15, 1759; John, Aug. 18, 1760 ; Samuel, Feb. 17, 1762 ; Jonathan, Dec. 8, 1763 ; Anna, Oct. 17, 1765 ; Sarah, May 13, 1768; Ruth, July 28, 1770; Nathan, June 9, 1772; David, May 18, 1774. Buckminster m. Ab igail, da. of Capt. Josiah White, June 12, 1782; again to Mercy, da. of Jacob Prouty, April 8, 1784 ; Anna to Kerley Howe, July 31, 1788 ; Sarah to Frederick Howe, March 5, 1789. Mr. White had the homestead. He d. Sept. 18, 1803- White Jonathan, s. of John jun., m. Ruth Converse, da. of Luke Converse, Nov. 30, 1786. Abigail b. Sept. 15, 1787 ; Clarissa, March 16, 1789, (d. Sept. 9, 1806, aged 17) ; Jeremiah, Sept. 7, 1791, (d. June 4, 1811, aged 19) ; Betsey b. Feb. 1, 1794; Lory, July 2, 1798; Luna, ; Joseph, April 21, 1801 ; Tirzah, Oct. 15, 1806. Abigail m. Isaac Lamb ; Betsey to Elisha Drake ; Lory to Silena Huntington, (he d. Nov. 11, 1829, aged 31). Tirzah to Ezekiel Tucker. Mr. White d. Sept. 8, 1829, aged 55. His widow d. Sept. 10, 1844, aged 80. The farm now owned by WilliamDrake. White Nathan, s. of John jun., m. Anna Cheney of Sut ton, Nov. 30, 1797. Experience W. b. Dec. 25, 1798 ; Wal ter W., April 29, 1800 ; John, March 14, 1802; Ruth, Jan. 30,1804; Sally, Sept. 3, 1805; Amos Cheney, Sept. 21, HISTORY OF SPENCER. 263 1807 ; Moores Mirick, Nov. 13, 1809 ; Nathan, Dec 3, 1811 ; Margaret Ann, Jan. 26, 1816. Experience W. m. George L. Clapp, Nov. 29, 1822 ; Ruth to Charles Edwards of North ampton, 1826 ; Sally to Jared Clark of Northampton, 1835 ; Moores Mirick to Sophia A. Draper. Mrs. White d. He again m. Mrs. Lucy E. Morse of Northborough, 1837. Mr. White had the homestead. He d. March 25, 1857, aged 85. White David, brother to the above, m. Polly Marsh of Sutton, 1802. Hiram b. Sept. 11, 1803 ; Dulcena, Jan. 11, 1806. AVhite Thomas, s. of John senior, m. Abigail, da. of Dea con John Muzzy, Dec. 30, 1756. Thomas b. Nov. 24, 1757 ; Thaddeus, July 16, 1759 ; Benjamin, Aug. 8, 1764 ; Joel, May 3, 1766; Sibbillah, Feb. 13, 1768 ; Nancy, May 25, 1769 ; Jonah, April 20, 1771 ; Elizabeth, July 1, 1774; Amos, Feb. 6, 1776 ; John Bradshaw, Feb. 1, 1778. Thad deus m. Hannah Eastabrook of Holden, 1784. She d. he again m. Rebekah Gleazen, da. of Benjamin Gleazen, Jan. 14, 1810 ; Sibbillah to Isaac Lamb ; Nancy to William Mason; Elizabeth to Joseph Mason. Mr. White was a farm er and blacksmith. He d. Feb. 25, 1822, aged 90. His wife d. Sept. 21, 1811, aged 72. The farm now owned by Chandler Taft. White Rand, s. of John senior, m. Mehetable Rice. Rand b. Aug. 17, 1776 ; Francis July 15, 1778 ; James, July 31, 1780; Darius, Sept. 21, 1782; 2d Rand, July 14, 1784; John, Sept. 17, 1789; Mehetable, Jan. 28, 1791; Sibbillah, Feb. 20, 1795. Mrs. AVhite d. Dec. 30, 1830, aged 78. Mr. White was a carpenter, and built and owned the house lately owned by Nathan White, deceased. White Josiah, from Charlton, in 1759, purchased the south part of lot (67) of John Curtis, now in part owned by John F. Guilford. He had with his wife Sarah, Ebenezer b. May 4, 1762 ; Abigail, June 24, 1764 ; Judith, Aug. 10, 1766; Mary, June 18, 1768; Hannah, June 2, 1771. 264 HISTORY OF SPENCER. Judith m. Ebenezer Mason. Capt. White commanded a company in the revolutionary war. He d. Jan. 1, 1803. His widow d. Oct. 7, 1805. Worster Deacon John, from Boxford in 1747, purchased the east part of lot (20), and built a house on the spot where Col. Temple's now stands. He remained here several years, and removed from town, and left his farm to his son John. He had Phebe, who m. Samuel Garfield 2d ; Mary to Abel Woodard, 1750, and lived on the farm now owned by Lory Grout. Worster John, s. of the above, m. Mary Muzzy, 1760. She d. he m. Rebekah White, da. of Henry White, 1763. John, by his first wife b. April 12, 1762 ; Rebekah, by his second wife b. Jan. 22, 1764 ; Molly, Oct. 3, 1765 ; Sarah, Sept. 20, 1767 ; Asa, June 8, 1770; Eli, Dec. 31, 1777; Alpha, . Sarah m. Jonathan AVoodard. Mr. Wors ter removed to Leicester, built himself a house in the village. Deceased. Whitney Joshua, in 1746, purchased a part of lot (5) of James Wilson senior, whose da. Mehetable he married. His house was in the lot now owned by Sarah Wright. He had Phineas b. 1740; Lemuel, 1742; Bulah, 1745; Elisha, 1747; John, 1751; Sibbillah, 1754 ; Mehetable, 1756 ; Joshua, 1758 ; Susannah, 1762. Bulah m. John Ball ; Joshua to Esther Prouty ; Elisha to Esther Clark ; Susannah to William Hiscock. Mrs. Whitney d. May 1, 1785 ; Mr. Whitney, 1785.' Watson Oliver, from Leicester, in 1740, purchased lot (2), now owned by Ebenezer Howard and others. He m. Elizabeth Blair of Worcester, Dec. 1742. Oliver b. Nov. 18, 1743 ; Robert, May 28, 1746 ; Elizabeth, Jan. 1, 1749 ; Mary, April 30, 1752; James, July 20, 1754; Abigail, Nov. 27, 1759 ; Martha, June 18, 1763 ; David, March 16, 1766. Abigail m. Reuben AVhittemore; Martha to Benja min Green. Mr. Watson was a respectable gentleman, HISTORY OF SPENCER. 265 deacon of the congregational church, a patriot of the revo lution, was chosen into various responsible offices in the town, was a delegate chosen by the towns of Leicester and Spencer, to sit in the convention at Watertown, 1775, four years a representative from Spencer to the general court. He d. Dec. 20, 1S04, aged 86. Watson Olives, s. of the above, m. Mrs. Rebekah Cun ningham, widow of William Gunni gham, 1780, being a second wife. Oliver CromweU b. Feb. 8, 1783 ; Polly, July 6, 1784 ; Hannah, Feb. 13, 1786 ; Charlott, Jan. 23, 1789 ; Behekah, March 21, 1791. (d. May 5, 1811, aged 20) ; William, May 28, 1793 ; Martha E izabeth, July 28, 1798, (d. 1840, aged 42). Polly m. Isaac Patrick of AVarren, Nov. 25, 1807; Hannah to Samuel B. Bent of Rutland, Jan. 1, 1807. Mr. Watson was a lieutenant in the militia, a selectman, a thrifty farmer. He d. Sept. 25, 1826, aged 83. His widow d. June 3, 1832, aged 76. The farm owned by Joshua Bemis. Watson Oliver C. s. of the above, m. Tammy White, da. of Maj. William AVhite, June 30, 1812. Their only son, William Oliver, b. May 24, 1815. Mr. Watson «L Jan. 19, 1731, aged 48. His widow d. April 27, 1837. aged 54. Watson Robert, s. of Oliver senior, m. Tamer Whitte more, da. of Jeremiah Whittemore, 1777.' He had the homestead. Amos b. March 2, 1778 ; Betsey, Oct 28, 1779 ; Jeremiah, Dec 14, 1782; Charles, Oct 15, 1784; Robert, Oct 16, 1786 ; Sally, July 1, 178S ; Aaron, 1800, (d. Oct 28, 1S13); Tamer, ; PoUy, . Sibbillah, Feb. 24. 1799. Amos m. Polly Wood, da. of Simeon Wood Feb. 12, 1801 ; Betsey to William Moor, June 11, 1801, (she d. Not. 1813, aged 46.) Watson Jeremiah, s. of Robert, m. Chloe Sprague, da. of James Sprague senior, July 6, 1809. Lodicea b. April 5, 1810 ; Lory Sprague, May 4, 1&14; Emily, July 14, 1817 ; Boswell SI, Febu 26, 1822. Emily m. Thomas Hersey, May 23* 266 HISTORY OF SPENCEE. 17, 1838 : Lodicea to Horace Waite of Leicester, May 8, 1832. Mr. Watson d. Jan. 2, 1856, aged 73. His widow d. 1860. AArATS0N Roswell S. m. Hannah Grout, da. of Dea. Joel Grout, Nov. 4, 1845. George Augustus b. Jan. 2, 1847 ; Mary Abby, Jan. 22, 1848 ; Emma Nelly, July 16, 1854. Watson Charles, s. of Robert, va. Betsey Whitmore, April 15, 1813. Aaron b. May 23, 1814; Laurinda, April 12,1816; Lorenzo, Oct. 28, 1818; Eliza, Feb. 26,1821; Charles, Sept. 21, 1823 ; George, ; Emeline, . Laurinda m. Thomas N. Saddler ; Charles to Maria Bemis ; Emeline to Lorenzo Bemis. Mr. Watson d. Nov. 15, 1851, aged 67. Watson Aaron, s. of the above, m. Almira Bartlett of Killingly, Ct., 1842. Caroline Elizabeth b. July 10, 1844 ; Judson B., Aug. 23, 1850. Mrs. AVatson d. Oct. 2, 1852, aged 38. Watson Lorenzo, s. of Charles, m. Mary L. Boice, da. of Elliot Boice, Sept. 1, 1843. Maria Francena b. May 29, 1847 ; Charles Elliot, April 17, 1851 ; Frank Boice, Sept. 20, 1853 ; Willis Lorenzo, Jan. 6, 1856. Maria F. d. Dec. 4, 1854. Watson James, s. of Deacon Oliver AVatson, m. Lucy Browning of Rutland. Patty b. July ,28, 1777; Betsey, Aug. 20, 1779 ; Rebekah, Aug. 18, 1781 ; Lucy, Feb. 24, 1784 ; Clarissa, Nov. 9, 1787 ; Eunice, Feb. 15, 1790 ; James, June 27, 1794 ; William, Feb. 23, 1798. Patty m. Nathan Wilson ; Betsey to David Livermore, jun. ; Lucy to Eben ezer Mason, jun. ; Eunice to Enoch Ludden. Rebekah d. April 5, 1851, aged 69. Mr. Watson was a soldier of the revolution, a selectman 22 years in succession, that is, from 1785 to 1808, inclusive. He was found dead in a brook, April 17, 1823, aged 69. His widow d. June 23, 1843, aged 88. Watson William, s. of John Watson of Leicester, came history of spencer. 267 on to the east end of lot (3), now occupied by Hiram Barr. He m. Mary from Palmer. He had Eunice b. Dec. 15, 1777 ; Sally, April 4, 1779 ; Peggy, Feb. 14, 1781 ; John, July 11, 1783 ; Hannah, Nov. 20, 1785 ; William, May 16, 1788; Thomas, July 16, 1790; Otis, Aug. 9, 1793. Eunice m. Thomas F. Newhall of Leicester. He d. She again m. Stephen Saddler. She d. Jan. 13, 1839, aged 61. Sally m. Samuel D. Elliot, of Leicester. Peggy, John, William, Hannah and Thomas, all d. of consumption, from 1802 to 1812. Mr. Watson was a captain in the militia, and d. Dec. 28, 1844, aged 94. His wife d. Oct. 3, 1828, aged 77. Watson Otis, s. of the above, m. Harriet Snow of Leices ter, 1818. Clarinda b. Jan. 1,1819; Hannah Jane, May 17, 1820, (d. Dec 24, 1843, aged 24) ; Marcia Ann, Nov. 12, 1821 ; AVilliam Cutler, Aug. 30, 1823 ; Henry Otis, Dec 10, 1826. Mr. Watson was captain in the militia. He d. Oct. 8, 1826, aged 33. Watson Asa B. s. of Capt. Samuel Watson of Leicester, m. Harriet Denny, widow of Charles Denny, Jan. 31, 1328. Watson John, with his wife Dinah, had John b. March 6, 1762 ; Jacob, Jan. 1, 1765 ; Enoch, Aug. 30, 1767 ; Lydia, Oct. 1, 1769 ; Leonard, Jan. 13, 1772 ; Henry, Oct. 29, 1774 ; David, Oct. 2, 1776 ; Sally, Dec. 8, 1779. Mr. Wat son d. April 12, 1789, aged 59. His widow d. Nov. 20, 1 802, aged 65. The farm now owned by Warner Livermore. Watson Jacob, s. of the above, m. Mary Adams of Brook field, Nov. 4, 1789. Polly b. Nov. 8, 1790, (d. Oct. 29, 1802, aged 12) ; Charles b. Jan. 14, 1793 ; Fanny, Feb. 15, 1796. His wife d. Oct. 20, 1802. He again m. Olive Knight, da. of William Knight, Sept. 1, 1803. Mary b. Sept. 21, 1804 ; John William, March 6, 1808. His wife Olive d. Aug. 26, 1810. He again m. Mary Parmeter of Oakham, March, 1811. Nancy Parmeter b. Nov. 23, 1812. Mr. Watson had the homestead. He d. May 16, 1816, aged 51. Fanny m. Elijah Howe, jun. ; Mary to Dennis Ward. 268 HISTOEY OF SPENCER. Watson Charles, s. of the above, m. Lucy Rice, da. of Peter Rice, 1812. Olive b. Nov. 18, 1814 ; Lucy, Oct. 1817. His wife d. He again m. Susannah Crackbone, Jan. 1819. Joseph b. Nov. 26, 1819. ' AVatson Enoch, s. of John, m. Susannah Stephenson, Feb. 3, 1S05. AVilliam b. Feb. 22, 1806 ; Horace, May 14, 1810 ; Sally L. Sept. 5, 1812 ; Jacob, Aug. 1, 1817 ; John Davis, March 8, 1821. Mr. AVatson d. April 21, 1840, aged 72. Lydia AA'atson, da. of John, in. Elijah Kittredge ; Leonard to Judith Howland, Dec. 10, 1797 ; Henry to Betsey Hall, March 2, 1797 ; David to Nancy Elliot of Leicester. Sally d. Dec. 3, 1803. AVatson Henry, s. of Henry, m. Lucy Bush, da. of AVil liam Bush. George Henry b. Nov. 20, 1831 ; Lucy Jane, March 28, 1834 ; AVilliam Otis, Dec. 30, 1838; Harvy Ken dall, Dec. 27, 1841. His wife Lucy d. April 27, 1849, aged 39. AVilson Simeon, purchased the west part of lot (50) in 1748. He m. Dorothy Brown of Leicester, 1746. This lot in the early records is called " Orchard Hill." Thomas b. 1748 ; David, 1750 ; Lydia, 1752 ; Pearly, 1754 ; Samuel, 1757 ; Dolly, 1759 ; Azubah, 1763 ; Phebe, 1766 ; Simeon, 1768; Benjamin, 1770. Lydia m. Abel AVheeler ; Dolly to Jonathan Curtis of Charlton. The farm now owned by Russell Sibley. AVilson David, s. of the above, m. Lydia Viles of Waltham, Jan. 24, 1775. Nathan b. March 3, 1776 ; Amos, Sept. 23, 1777 ; Dolly, Aug. 17, 1779 ; Jonas, April 9, 1781, (d. Sept. 17, 1803) ; Jacob, April 5, 1783 ; Asa, July 18, 1785 ; Joel, July 31, 1787; Nancy, June 21, 1792; Cynthia, Feb. 27, 1794. Nathan m. Patty Watson, da. of James Watson, March 4, 1798 ; Amos to Betsey Newhall, Jan. 9, 1802. Wilson Jacob, s. of the above, m. Ruth Sibley, da. of Paul senior, Sept. 23, 1804. She d. and he m. Lydia Rob ertson of Charlton, 1809. Alford b. Sept. 4, 1811 ; Ruth HISTOEY OF SPENCER. 269 Sibley, May 10, 1813 ; Cynthia Ann, Feb. 19, 1815 ; Emory, March 14, 1817 ; Mary, July 27, 1819 ; Hazary, Oct. 11, 1821; Jason, Feb. 16, 1824; Lydia Hammond, Feb. 18, 1826. Ruth S. m. Berthier Bacon, April 11, 1833, (d. Dec. 23, 1833) ; Cynthia Ann m. Berthier Bacon for second wife, Jan. 1835 ; Emory to Melisse Drury, Oct. 8, 1839 ; Mary to William Sibley, Sept. 19, 1838. Mr. Wilson has been selectman and assessor. Wilson Asa, s. of David, m. Lucinda Livermore, da. of Amos Livermore. David b. Sept. 24, 1809 ; Amos, May 1, 1811 ; Lucinda, March 31, 1814 ; Horace, March 4, 1816 ; Harriet, Dec. 28, 1818 ; Warner, May 23, 1821 ; Asa, Dec. 7, 1823; Luther, Jan. 15, 1826; George, Jan. 12, 1828. The farm owned by Asa B. Watson. Wilson Jonas, s. of Nathan, m. Lucy Ann Slocum of Shrewsbury, 1835. George Slocum b. Feb. 3, 1839 ; Lucy Ann, Oct. 17, 1841. His wife d. June 3, 1845, aged 33. He m. Eunice S. Hartshorn of Boylston. Warren b. July 8, 1848 ; Eleanor, Oct. 11, 1852. Wilson Nathaniel, purchased a part of lot (51) and with his wife Abigail, had Sally b. March 15, 1790; Betsey, Oct. 31, 1791 ; Polly, April 9, 1795 ; Roxy, Jan. 18, 1797 ; Nathaniel, Jan. 7, 1798 ; Patty, Jan. 7, 1801 ; Paulina, Feb. 12, 1803 ; John, Oct. 29, 1804 ; Dexter, March 16, 1807 ; Joel Davis, Feb. 17, 1810. Sally m. Joseph Whitte more of Leicester, April 9, 1812 ; Nathaniel to Sarah L, Goodell, April 7, 1825, (and d. Feb. 2, 1833, aged 33). Mr. Wilson d. Aug. 14, 1825, aged 78. Wilson Dexter, s. of the above, m. Susan Mason, da. of Joseph Mason, Oct. 20, 1831. Marcia Ann b. Oct. 2, 1832 ; Susan Serena, Jan. 3, 1835 ; Mary Eliza, Aug. 5, 1837 ; Sarah White, Aug. 31, 1839. Wilson John, m. Susan Howland, da. of Abner Howland, Oct. 4, 1827. Ruth Ellen b. Feb. 20, 1846. Wllson Joel D., s. of Nathaniel, m. Anna Howe, da. of 270 history of spenceb. Joel Howe, Sept. 8, 1836. Warren Davis b. , (d. Aug. 20, 1841, aged 3.) Mary Ann b. Nov. 20, 1840 ; Ella, Nov. 15, 1847, (d. Oct. 1, 1849) ; Salem b. Nov. 30, 1852. Ward Dennis, s. of Joseph Ward, Esq. of Newton, b. in that town Nov. 1, 1799, and m. Mary Watson, da. of Jacob Watson, May 5, 1831. Mary Sewall b. Dec 28, 1832 ; Caroline, Jan. 19, 1835, (d. Dec. 8, 1838) ; Annie Jane, Dec. 16, 1840; Susan Cecelia, Nov. 25, 1842 ; Joseph Frederick, Nov. 26, 1843 ; Estelle, Feb. 23, 1846. Wright Joel, from Northbridge, m. Sarah Prentice from the same town. Lusatia b. July 11, 1811 ; Emily, Oct. 24, 1815 ; Sarah Louisa, Sept. 29, 1821 ; Abigail Samantha, Nov. 26, 1826. Lusatia m. Elias Prouty, Dec. 18, 1834, (d. Oct. 30, 1835, aged 24). Emily m. Samuel B. Green, May 19, 1836; Sarah Louisa to Sanford Snow, Sept. 29, 1840, (d. Feb. 5, 1852, aged 30) ; Abigail S. m. Samuel C. Marsh, June 30, 1846. Mr. Wright was a scythe and hoe manufacturer. He d. Oct. 9, 1834, aged 49. Whittemore Jeremiah, came from Weston and purchased 200 acres of the east part of lot (24) 1760. He fitted up the large mansion house built by Nathaniel Cunningham, for a tavern, and personally superintended the same as a public house, for forty-five years. Before he came to Spencer, he had with his wife Mary, Asa, Reuben, Mary, Tamar and Sybil. While in Spencer he had, Aaron b. March 1, 1762; Esther, Dec. 28, 1764 ; Jeremiah, Feb. 21, 1766 ; Sarah, March 16, 1768. Asa m. Lucy Muzzy ; Mary to Nathan Wright ; Sybil to Reuben Underwood ; Sarah to Ebenezer Kingsbury. Mr. Whittemore d. May 14, 1803, aged 79. His wife d. July 14, 1802, aged 78. Esther d. unmarried. Whittemore Reuben, s. of the above, m. Abigail Watson, da. of Deacon Oliver Watson, March 2, 1779. Betsey b. June 15, 1780 ; Amos, Sept. 7, 1782 ; Thankful, Feb. 6, 1785, (d. Aug. 24, 1838, aged 53); Daniel b. April 28, 1787; Hannah, Feb. 13, 1792; Reuben, Feb. 5, 1795; history of spencer. 271 Oliver, Feb. 11,1797; Caroline, Dec. 14, 1798; William, July 17, 1801, (d. April 5, 1841, aged 40) ; Abigail b. Nov. 25, 1803. Betsey m. James Browning of Rutland ; Hannah to Eli Hatch, 1814; Caroline to Samuel M. Hobbs, 1820; Abigail to Augustus Rider. Mr. Whittemore was a select man several years. He d. April 20,1832, aged 79. His wife d. Nov. 15, 1820. The farm is now owned by his son Daniel. Whittemore Daniel, s. of the above, m. Fanny Prouty, da. of Joshua Prouty, May 4, 1815. Adaline b. March 3, 1816; Abigail, Oct. 13, 1818; Reuben, May 7, 1821; Calista, March 12, 1824, (d. Sept. 23, 1843, aged 19) ; Alonzo, April 12, 1827, (d. Oct. 8, 1843); Adaline, m. Henry Belcher, May 28, 1840; Abigail m. Roswell Bisco, Aug. 9, 1839. Mrs. Whittemore d. Nov. 23, 1843, aged 54, and he m. Elizabeth B. Rowland of Leicester, 1849. Whittemore Reuben, jun. m. Salome Clark, da. of John Clark, Nov. 30, 1819. Emeline Dorinda, b. Dec. 1, 1820; Anna Maria, Sept. 22, 1822, (d. Aug. 11, 1843, aged 21) ; Keziah Salome, b. July 31, 1825 ; Reuben Wallace, Sept. 1, 1829; Mary Abigail, May 11, 1832. Keziah Salome m. Lawson Powers, May 23, 1847. Whittemore Oliver, s. of Reuben senior, m. Lydia Jones, June 26, 1823. Eli Jones, b. April 30, 1824; m. Maria J. Pope, April 14, 1858 ; Harriet Susanna, March 8, 1826 ; m. Phineas Jones, April 19, 1853 ; Oliver Augustus, March 2, 1828. Whittemore Aaron, s. of Jeremiah, with his wife Sally, had Nabby, b. Aug. 29, 1790; Esther, March 11,1792*; Amos, Nov. 8, 1793 ; Isaac, March 5, 1796; Aaron, Nov. 9, 1797 ; Sally, July 2, 1799. The farm now owned by Paul Woolson. Whittemore Jeremiah, jun. m. Polly Washburn of Pax ton, Feb. 21, 1792. Amos Carter b. July 12, 1793 ; Achsah, July 25, 1795; Harriet, Jan. 18, 1798; Mary Watson, 272 HISTORY OF SPENCEB. Oct. 29, 1800; Laura, Nov. 16, 1802; Jeremiah, Oct. 8, 1804; Lemira, Dec. 21, 1806. Amos C. m. Lavinia Wash burn, Jan. 1819 ; Harriet to Col. William Eager of North borough, 1825 ; Laura to Reuben Prouty jun. Oct. 17, 1826. The farm now owned by Josiah Green jun. Whittemore John, b. 1721, from Leicester, m. Elizabeth Earle of that town, 1749. Had while in Leicester, John b. 1750; Molly, 1754; Thomas, 1755; Rebekah, 1756 ; Ruth, 1766. AVhile in Spencer, Eli b. . Rebekah m. Oliver Witt of Paxton ; Ruth to Asa Draper, July 7, 1785. Mr. Whittemore d. July 17, 1809 ; his wife d. Aug. 6, 1812. The farm since owned by Silas Bemis, David Livermore and now by James Capen. Whittemore Eli, s. of the above, m. Lucy Prouty, da. of John Prouty, July 24, 1783. Polly b. , Roswell, Jan. 15, 1786. Polly m. Gersbom Jennings of Brookfield. Wtheat Joseph, m. Anna Mercy, Oct. 21, 1779. Joseph b. Sept. 27, 1780; William, Sept. 8, 1783; Amos, Aug. 7, 1785 ; Anna, Sept. 15, 1787 ; Lyman, Sept. 9, 1789 ; Polly, Feb. 15, 1792 ; Sally, April 9, 1794; Alice, Aug. 31, 1796. Joseph m. Sally Howlett of Woodstock, Conn. ; Amos to Hannah Rogers, widow of Roswell Rogers ; Sally to Otis Grout. Mr. Wheat was a soldier of the revolution. He d. Nov. 14, 1835, aged 88. The farm now owned by William Livermore and Caleb M. Morse. Wheelock Ephraim, s. of Paul AVheelock from Charlton, with his wife Charlott, had Aaron Bowker, b. Oct. 21, 1826. APPENDIX. As it has not been convenient to obtain the names of the officers and soldiers who went from Spencer, into the wars with France, and also those who served in the war of the revolution, the attempt has been abandoned. A few names, however, have been found, which are here appended. The war declared by Great Britain against France, in 1744, and which continued, with some intervals of peace, until the treaty of peace in 1763, involved the New England colonies, and especially Massachusetts, in the contest. The Indians, stim ulated by the French, invaded our frontier settlements, dealing death and captivity among the defenceless inhabitants. It com menced by the capture of Louisburg and the whole Island of Cape Breton. In this expedition, Edmund Bemis, who was a Lieutenant, did good service, as has been mentioned elsewhere, and James Smith, senior, who was formerly a resident of this town, and who died there 1745. Afterwards his son, James Smith, junior, died in the service against the common enemy. He was the father of Lucretia, late widow of Jonas Lamb- In 1756, John Stebbings was Captain of a company in Col. Ruggles' regiment, stationed at Fort Edward, where he died as before noticed. In the same expedition, stationed at Fort Wil liam Henry, was Capt. Philip Richardson, who commanded a company, with John Wicker, his Lieutenant, both from Spencer. 274 APPENDIX. Also, Edmund Bemis, again, with Israel Eichardson, Jonas Bemis, father of Jonas Bemis, Esq. ; James Capen, father to the late Capt. James Capen ; William May, great grandfather of Emory May and the wife of Luke Tower ; Josiah Robinson, Jun., James Stebbings, brother to Capt. John Stebbings, and Joseph Worster. In 1759, Nathaniel Parmeter died in the same service. In 1760, David Prouty and Daniel Hill were soldiers. Mr. Hill was taken prisoner by the French and Indians, where he suffered very much. David Prouty was grandfather of David Prouty, our fellow citizen, and Mr. Hill was father of Joshua Hill. The war, however, was substantially closed the year previous, by the -capture of Quebec, under Gen. Wolfe. In the war of the revolution, besides those mentioned as receiving pensions, we have the list of the officers and soldiers who marched to Cambridge, under the alarm of April 19, 1775. They are as follows : "A roll of Capt. Ebenezer Mason's company, who marched as minute men, for the defence of the colonies, on the 19th of April last, (1775) from Spencer, belonging to Col. Jonathan Warner's Regiment." Ebenezer Mason, Capt. Isaac Livermore, Abijah Livermore, Lieut. Michael Hatch, Joseph Livermore, Ensign. Jonathan Rich, Benjamin Bemis, Jun., 1 John Waite, William Green, ! Ser- John Knapp, William White, I geants. Joseph Grout, Samuel Hall, J Benjamin Gleazen, Oliver Watson, 1 Joseph Wheat, Jonas Muzzy, •. . Levi Thayer, Asa Sprague, j " Joshua Draper, Jun., Jeduthan Green, j Elisha Whitney, James Draper, Drummer. Reuben Lamb, Luther Prouty, Fifer. John Hatch, John Draper, Amos Whittemore, Jesse Bemis, Wright Woodward, Isaac Prouty, Samuel Bemis, Nathaniel Wilson, Rand White, APPENDIX. 275 Benjamin Sumner, David Rice, John AA'oodward, Jun., Richard Huttice, Jonas Lamb, Samuel Garfield, Jun., Thomas Sprague, Nathaniel Cunningham, John Bemis, John Lamb, Jun., John Ball, Asa Whittemore, David Livermore, John Worster, James AA'atson, Elijah Southgate, Robert AVatson, Knight Sprague, Thomas AA'hittemore, David Lamb, Nathaniel T. Loring, Timothy Capen. Most of the above names may be found in the genealogical table of marriages, births and deaths. On the 23d of the same month, (April) forty of the above named enlisted into another company, commanded by Capt. Joel Green, David Prouty, Lieut., both belonging to Spencer, for eight months service in Cambridge. I have not obtained the names of those who enlisted into this new company, but Joseph AA'heat was one of them. This company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col. Jeremiah Lamed of Oxford. I had intended to have procured thc names of all the officers and soldiers, those brave and patriotic men, who ventured their lives, endured great sufferings, with little or no pay, in the ser vice of their country. I also intended to have ascertained the amount of money raised and expended for paying the troops aud supporting them while in service in the war for independence, but it was found to be impracticable, although some further infor mation might probably have been obtained with further labor and expense. Besides, the events of the revolution are every day losing their interest with the present generation, as the period of their transaction, as time passes along, grows more and more remote, and those who took an active part in those scenes are all departed from among us, and the persons and places who knew them, " will know them no more forever." In Capt. Seth A\rashburn's company, which afterwards marched from Leicester on the 17th of June to Bunker Hill, were Joseph Livermore, Lieut., Elijah Southgate, Corporal, Andrew Morgan, 276 APPENDIX. Jonas Lamb, Peter Rice, Thomas Sprague, John Hatch, Wright AVoodward and Isaac Livermore, Privates, but only Joseph Liv ermore, Elijah Southgate, Jonas Lamb, Peter Rice, Thomas Sprague and Isaac Livermore, are now known to have been actually in the battle. In relation to the expenditures made by the people of this town, during the seven years war of the revolution, some opinion may be formed by the following items, furnished to me by Gov. Washburn. In a letter he says," I find Spencer paid in bounties, between January, 1777 and April, 1777, £199 14s, and for sup plies for their troops, between March and July, 1779, £89 17s. After making all necessary deductions for a depreciated currency, it is a perfect mystery to me, how the men of that day were able to find means of meeting the enormous burdens they bore." P. S. Since the above was written it has been ascertained that John Guilford, who was then a student at Cambridge Col lege, Daniel Ball, Benjamin G. Ball, and David Chamberlain, enlisted at Cambridge, under Capt. Hubbard of Worcester, in the expedition under Col. Arnold, 1775, to take Quebec. Itis well known the attempt proved to be a failure. The starvation, the destitution and the sufferings, which this little army endured while passing up Kennebec river, through the wilderness of Maine, is perhaps without a parallel throughout the whole revolutionary contest. 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